Moscow: Russia on Friday summoned the UK's charg© d'affaires to protest what it said were increased British supplies of drones and other weapons systems to Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry accused London of pursuing a 'confrontational' policy aimed at prolonging and escalating the war, stating that such actions were delaying prospects for a political settlement. It emphasized that British supplies of long-range offensive weapons made London an 'accomplice' in Ukraine's actions, which Russia described as 'bloody atrocities,' labeling them as 'terrorism and war crimes.'

The ministry further accused the UK of violating its international obligations through its support for Kyiv and warned of risks arising from London's 'destructive' actions. It dismissed British efforts as ineffective, claiming Russian forces held the 'strategic initiative' on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Additionally, the ministry stated that Russia reserved the right to take 'necessary retaliatory measures' under its right to self-defense and warned that any British military facilities in Ukraine used to launch strikes against Russian territory would be considered legitimate targets. It urged London to abandon its 'escalatory policy' and comply with its international obligations.