UK intelligence: Russia could attack NATO within four years

Britain's intelligence services, along with other NATO members, believe Russia could launch an attack on the alliance within four years, Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed. He stressed the "urgency and importance" of defense matters while visiting a drone manufacturer in southwest England.

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You understand therefore the urgency and importance that we are currently attaching to this issue.

Starmer stated that the assessment indicates a potential Russian attack on NATO could occur by 2030. This aligns with warnings from other European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who previously noted Russia might be prepared to use military force against NATO within five years. The UK is set to unveil a decade-long defense investment plan before the NATO summit on July 7, aiming to enhance national defense capabilities.

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In my 35-year career, this is the most dangerous period I have experienced.

Air Marshal Richard Knighton, Chief of the UK Defence Staff, described the current period as the "most dangerous" of his 35-year military career. He emphasized the need for Britain and its allies to bolster their capabilities to deter adversaries from "doing something rash." The government plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP next year, with a further rise to 3% in the subsequent parliamentary term. The long-delayed defense investment plan, following a review of UK defense capabilities, faced reported disagreements over costs but Starmer assured it would be fully funded.

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And because of that, it is important that we, together with our allies, strengthen the capabilities and readiness of our armed forces to deter adversaries from doing something rash.