Britain is already fighting World War III on multiple fronts, according to Armed Forces Minister Al Carns. Speaking to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the former Royal Marines commando drew parallels with the late 1930s, saying there are ‘definitely a lot of similarities’ to the period before the Second World War.
Mr Carns stated that Ukraine is ‘absolutely the frontline of European defence’ and that Britain’s own frontline exists in the North Atlantic, the high North, cyberspace, and the domain of influence. He added that this battle has been ongoing every day since 2014, well before the current conflict began.
The minister disclosed that Russia has suffered at least 35,000 casualties in the past three months alone, surpassing its recruitment capacity. He noted that Russian forces regularly lose more than 1,000 troops per day through death or injury and are increasingly reliant on allies, including North Korea, which sent 14,000 soldiers—of whom an estimated 6,000 have been killed.
Mr Carns highlighted the staggering toll on Moscow: total Russian casualties have reached 1.24 million, more than the United States suffered in the entire Second World War. He remarked that Russia has now been at war longer than it was during the 1941-1945 period.
The minister also expressed concern over the potential for forced conscription in Russia, which could further erode domestic support for the war. He noted the societal impact, with returning veterans struggling to reintegrate amid a failing economy and rising crime.
