UK sends largest-ever drone package to Ukraine; Russia warns of escalation

Ukraine has begun receiving drones from what is being described as the United Kingdom’s largest-ever military drone package, according to the Ukrainian Defence Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said the drones—already arriving—are helping strengthen frontline capabilities. Kyiv is set to receive a total of 120,000 drones this year, covering a wide range of uses including strike missions, reconnaissance, logistics support, and maritime operations.

The delivery follows a commitment by the United Kingdom to supply at least 120,000 drones in 2026. This forms part of a broader £3 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, alongside support under the Group of Seven Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration initiative.

Meanwhile, Russia has strongly criticised the move. The Russian Defence Ministry said increasing European involvement in drone production and supply risks deepening the conflict.

According to Moscow, efforts by European nations to expand unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing for Ukraine are “drawing the continent deeper into the conflict.” The ministry argued that such actions could undermine regional security rather than strengthen it.

Russia also claimed that multiple European countries agreed in late March to scale up UAV production in response to Ukraine’s battlefield challenges, including reported manpower shortages. It added that Ukrainian drone manufacturing operations are now spread across several European countries, with some facilities producing advanced strike drones, including loitering munitions.

The development marks a further intensification of military and industrial support for Ukraine from its Western allies, even as tensions with Russia continue to rise.

With inputs from IANS