Moscow has issued a fresh warning aimed at several Europe-based firms, following claims that drone output and deliveries to Ukraine are set to rise.
On April 15, Russia’s Ministry of Defense released a list naming 11 Ukrainian-linked companies said to operate through branches in multiple European countries, including Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
“Reportedly, on 26 March 2026, the leadership of a number of European countries took a decision to increase production and supply of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine for launching strikes on Russian territory in the face of growing losses and an acute shortage of manpower in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“A significant increase in the production of UAVs for the Kiev regime is planned through increased funding for the ‘Ukrainian’ and ‘joint’ enterprises producing attack drones and their components located in the territory of the European countries.”
Russia described the reported expansion as ‘a deliberate step leading to a sharp escalation of the military and political situation on the entire European continent and creeping transformation of these countries into a strategic rear for Ukraine’.
“Instead of strengthening the security of European states, the moves of European leaders are increasingly dragging these countries into the war with Russia.”
It ended by cautioning the wider European public to recognize what it called ‘the underlying causes of the threats to their safety’, alongside highlighting where the companies accused of supporting UAV supply chains are allegedly based.
The locations referenced span a number of major European cities, including London, Munich, Riga, Vilnius, Madrid, and Prague.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, later weighed in on the announcement and told audiences to treat it ‘literally’.
“Russian Defense Ministry’s statement must be taken literally: the list of European facilities which make drones & other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces. When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next.”
Russian Defense Ministry’s statement must be taken literally: the list of European facilities which make drones & other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces. When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next. Sleep well, European partners!
— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) April 15, 2026
“Sleep well, European partners!”
The comments come amid broader uncertainty for the transatlantic alliance, with NATO facing renewed questions about what a future without one of its largest members could look like.
Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw the United States from NATO after countries such as France and the UK did not back America’s attacks against Iran.
According to reports, NATO is now exploring contingency planning for how the organisation would operate without US membership.