Russia is becoming more reckless and dangerous after a string of defeats in Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary has warned. At a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden, Yvette Cooper stated that Vladimir Putin's forces are appearing increasingly unpredictable as they struggle on the battlefield. She cautioned that the Kremlin is broadening its attacks on the West across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains to divert attention from its setbacks.
Incident Over the Black Sea
The warning follows an incident earlier this week in which an unarmed RAF spy plane was repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by Russian jets over the Black Sea during a routine NATO flight. According to the Ministry of Defence, a Russian Su-35 jet flew so close to the British reconnaissance aircraft that it triggered emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot.
Cooper's Statement
Speaking after the meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, the Foreign Secretary said: "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. In the face of that threat and the ongoing global instability, the NATO alliance is vital and enduring, but within it Europe and the UK must do more. 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 added: "Russia is now under huge pressure from Ukraine's military response and from economic challenges, but that is making them more unpredictable with escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians, increasing hybrid threats across the continent, and reports of drone incursions. The threat from Russia is increasing on air, land, sea, space, cyber, and information warfare."
Diplomatic Response
Earlier this week, London made formal representations to Moscow after the interception of the RAF spy plane. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with leaders from France and Germany, vowed to double down on their support for Ukraine in a separate virtual meeting. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed: "The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with President Zelensky of Ukraine, President Macron of France, and Chancellor Merz of Germany. President Zelensky updated on the progress made by Ukraine's military in recent weeks as it continues to ramp up its defence against Putin's continued attacks. The leaders paid tribute to the strength and courage of the Ukrainian people and confirmed they would double down on their support in the coming months. They agreed that standing up to Russian aggression remains vital for European and global security, and reaffirmed their commitment to securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."
