Kremlin adviser warns UK drone factories could face attacks from 'unknown sources'
Former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov has warned that British drone factories could be targeted by 'semi-military' action from 'unknown sources' as tensions rise over UK support for Ukraine.
A former Russian deputy foreign minister has warned that British drone factories could be attacked by “unknown sources” as tensions escalate over the UK’s military support for Ukraine. Andrei Fedorov, who served as Moscow’s deputy foreign minister in the 1990s and now acts as an adviser to the Kremlin, said he could not “100% exclude” the prospect of “semi-military” action against British territory.
His remarks, reported by British media, come amid a sharp escalation in the conflict, with Ukraine launching a series of drone strikes deep inside Russia, targeting oil refineries, military plants, and e-commerce warehouses. The attacks have caused significant disruption to Russian logistics and industry, prompting Moscow to consider new measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Fedorov’s warning reflects growing concern in the UK about potential retaliation for its role in supplying drones and other military equipment to Ukraine. The UK has been one of Kyiv’s most vocal supporters, providing advanced weaponry and training, and has recently led international efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air defences.
The warning follows a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian facilities, including a logistics hub in Makhachkala, Dagestan, and warehouses in the Krasnodar region, which have halted operations and injured workers. Russia’s second-largest online retailer, Ozon, has seen its shares fall sharply after multiple facilities were targeted within days, and the Kremlin has issued a decree allowing the state to seize control of companies deemed too poorly protected from Ukrainian attacks.
In response to the escalating drone war, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged Ukraine’s allies to “dig into our own stocks” to provide more Patriot interceptor missiles, saying Ukraine “needs more help to protect its people right now.” He made the appeal during his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in Kyiv, as Ukraine celebrated its independence day.
Fedorov’s comments, however, suggest that Moscow may be considering asymmetric responses to Western support for Ukraine. The former diplomat’s reference to “semi-military” action implies the possible use of irregular forces or covert operations, which could be difficult to attribute to the Russian state. Such tactics would allow Moscow to retaliate against the UK while maintaining a degree of deniability.
The warning has raised alarms in British security circles, where officials are already concerned about Russian sabotage and cyberattacks. In recent months, several incidents have been blamed on Russian operatives, including the disruption of undersea cables and the targeting of military supply chains. The prospect of attacks on drone factories, which are critical to Ukraine’s defence, would represent a significant escalation.
Fedorov’s statement also comes as Russia faces mounting economic pressure from Western sanctions and a record budget deficit, exacerbated by declining oil revenues. The Kremlin has sought to mitigate the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes on its energy sector, but the attacks have forced refineries to shut down, reducing fuel production and adding to domestic economic strain.
As the conflict enters its 1,644th day, both sides are showing no signs of de-escalation. Ukraine continues to target Russian infrastructure, while Moscow threatens retaliation against Western nations that support Kyiv. The warning from Fedorov, a figure with close ties to the Kremlin, underscores the volatile nature of the current standoff and the risk of the conflict spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders.
