What are Russia's threats to UK and how serious are they?

In Russia and the United Kingdom on 18 August 2026, Russia threatened the UK with “consequences” over Ukraine drones. Prime Minister Burnham said the UK will “support Ukraine 100%” despite the warning and that Moscow's threat would not change that support. Lavrov said Britain risks being seen as a party to the war in Ukraine and that Russia is entitled to view it that way.

Lavrov also said Russia and North Korea advocate for a new multipolar world order, which he called “new, righteous”. Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned Japan's ambassador, and Russia denied interfering in France's 2027 election.