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UK PM warns Russia could attack NATO by 2030, vows increased defense spending
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Conflict & Security

UK PM warns Russia could attack NATO by 2030, vows increased defense spending

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Russia could attack NATO by 2030, citing intelligence assessments.
  • He emphasized the UK's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities to counter potential threats.
  • The UK plans to increase defense spending, aiming for 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% after 2029.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a stark warning, stating that Russia could potentially launch an attack on NATO member states as early as 2030. This assessment is based on intelligence evaluations shared by UK services and those of other NATO allies. Starmer stressed the "responsibility" of his government to be prepared for escalating international challenges.

According to the assessment of our intelligence services, as well as that of other NATO countries, there could be an attack by Russia against NATO from 2030

โ€” Keir StarmerWarning about a potential Russian threat to NATO.

Starmer's warning echoes similar concerns voiced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in December, who also suggested a potential Russian military threat within five years. The UK, having faced reductions in its military capabilities due to past underinvestment, is now prioritizing increased defense spending to enhance its deterrence power. The government plans to unveil a new defense investment strategy before the upcoming NATO summit in early July.

This strategic shift comes amid calls from senior military officials for more immediate and substantial defense investments. General Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army, urged the UK to "spend more on defense and faster," highlighting Russia's ongoing probing of NATO defenses. He emphasized the need for readiness for potentially longer and larger conflicts, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine, and advocated for greater investment in autonomous systems like drones.

it is not an exaggeration to say that we live in the most dangerous and uncertain period of our lives

โ€” Keir StarmerDescribing the current geopolitical climate.

The UK has pledged to raise its defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, a figure that includes intelligence services, with a further commitment to reach 3% of GDP after 2029. This planned increase aims to solidify the UK's position within the alliance and address perceived threats from Russia.

we must be ready for conflicts possibly longer and larger in duration and scale, as we see in Ukraine

โ€” General Sir Richard DannattHighlighting the need for increased defense readiness.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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