Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that Russia is becoming “more reckless and dangerous” as its performance on the battlefield weakens. Speaking after a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Sweden, she said the peace dividend that began after the Cold War is now “gone”.
Russia's increasing unpredictability
Ms Cooper stated: “We discussed in the Nato foreign ministers’ meeting how Russia’s weakening on the battlefield against Ukraine is also making them more reckless and dangerous.” She emphasised that the Nato alliance remains vital, but Europe and the UK must increase their defence efforts. “We have already been stepping up with significantly increased defence investment but we have to face up to the need to do much more so we properly protect our citizens.”
She highlighted that Russia is under immense pressure from Ukraine’s military response and economic challenges, which is making it more unpredictable. This has led to escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians, increasing hybrid threats across Europe, and reports of drone incursions. “The threat from Russia is increasing on air, land, sea, space, cyber and information warfare,” she added.
Recent incidents and security concerns
Earlier this week, the UK made formal representations to Moscow after two Russian jets intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea. According to the Ministry of Defence, a Russian Su-35 jet flew so close to the British aircraft that it triggered emergency systems, disabling the autopilot.
Appearing before Parliament’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, Al Carns described a “continual attempt by the Russians to identify weaknesses” in UK infrastructure, such as undersea cables, though he noted that operating undetected is very difficult for them.
Call for increased defence investment
After the Nato meeting concluded on Friday, Ms Cooper said: “Any lingering cosy assumptions about our defence and security are gone. So too is the post-Cold War peace dividend. That’s why we need to keep increasing our defence and security capabilities and maintain our support for Ukraine.” She described Nato as the most successful defensive alliance in history and stressed the need to build a stronger Europe within it, stating: “The safety, stability and prosperity of our citizens depends upon it.”
International support for Ukraine
Also on Friday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with leaders from France and Germany, vowed to “double down on their support” for Ukraine. A Downing Street spokesperson said that in a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Zelensky updated them on Ukraine’s military progress. The leaders paid tribute to the Ukrainian people and confirmed they would increase support in the coming months, agreeing that standing up to Russian aggression is vital for European and global security.
