Russia is actively working to foment economic crises, social unrest, and strikes in the United Kingdom to make the country "unbearable," according to Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council. Medvedev, a former Russian president, also invoked the Poseidon nuclear underwater drone, which Moscow claims is capable of generating radioactive tidal waves.
These declarations coincide with newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his first foreign visit, during which Britain is set to increase its military aid to Ukraine. Burnham has affirmed his "unconditional support for Ukraine," a stance that Medvedev cited in his threats. "Our task is to continue to do everything we can to make life on this still-floating island as unbearable as possible," Medvedev stated, listing "economic crises, social upheavals, garbage strikes" as potential tactics. He added that the Poseidon complex is "still the most suitable" option.
President Putin has previously stated that the Poseidon drone, powered by its own atomic reactor, is in the "final stages of development" and moving towards combat readiness. He indicated that the weapon would be deployed in "specific waters and specific combat operations."
During Zelensky's visit, Burnham was scheduled to host him at a naval base where the UK premier planned to transfer the intellectual property for Britain's new Stone Cloak electronic warfare system. This technology is designed to make drones more difficult for air defense systems to locate and intercept. Downing Street described the device, which is about the size of a tablet computer, as a military-grade jammer that can disrupt Russian air defense systems' ability to track and target drones. The Stone Cloak system originated from "rapid innovation" between the UK and Ukraine under a 100-year partnership pact signed in January of the previous year. Thousands of these jammers have already been supplied to Kyiv to aid in drone operations. The intention is for Ukraine to manufacture the jammers domestically in large quantities, rather than relying solely on British deliveries. Zelensky expressed a desire to build a factory in Great Britain using new technologies and share them with partners, signaling a potential "new chapter in our relationship."
Downing Street announced that Burnham would pledge to maintain the "unbreakable bond between the two nations," echoing a previous commitment made to Zelensky. "Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering," Burnham stated, emphasizing that "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine."
In parallel, Ukraine has continued its drone attacks on Russian territory. Overnight strikes targeted FSB and Interior Ministry buildings in Belgorod, causing fires and power outages. Ukrainian drones also struck railway infrastructure in Rostov-on-Don. At least eight Russian airports in the Urals were closed due to drone activity, with Ukraine attacking an oil storage facility in Sarapul, approximately 840 miles away. Ukrainian military intelligence also reported the destruction of a Russian S-400 air defense launcher and radar in occupied Crimea, valued at around £45 million. Zelensky vowed a new wave of long-range strikes, stating that the objectives include disrupting Russian weapons production, causing economic losses, and bringing the war back to Russian territory to pressure Moscow towards diplomacy.