Russia Summons British Diplomat Over UK Arms Supplies to Ukraine

Dragon Media News Desk

Moscow: Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Britain’s Chargé d’Affaires in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, on September 18 and lodged a formal protest over what it described as London’s continued expansion of drone and other weapons supplies to Ukraine.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow told the British diplomat that it viewed Britain’s military support for Kyiv, including the supply of long range weapons, as contributing to the continuation and escalation of the conflict and making prospects for a political settlement more difficult. Britain, however, has maintained that its military assistance is intended to support Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

The Russian side also argued that Britain’s military support was inconsistent with international obligations and outlined what it described as wider security risks arising from London’s policy. Moscow warned that it reserved the right to take necessary measures in response under its right to self defence.

The Foreign Ministry further warned that any British military facilities in Ukraine used to conduct strikes against Russian territory could be regarded by Moscow as military targets. It urged London to abandon what Russia described as an escalatory approach and bring its actions into line with its international obligations.

Russia and Britain have remained sharply divided over the war in Ukraine and Western military assistance to Kyiv. The latest diplomatic confrontation highlights continuing tensions between Moscow and London over the scale and nature of British military support for Ukraine.