Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that Russia's deteriorating performance on the battlefield in Ukraine is rendering it "more reckless and dangerous," declaring that the post-Cold War "peace dividend" has vanished. Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Sweden, Ms Cooper highlighted escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians, increasing hybrid threats across the continent, and reports of drone incursions as evidence of Moscow's growing unpredictability.
Incident Over the Black Sea
Her stark assessment follows a recent incident where London made formal representations to Moscow after two Russian jets intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea. One Russian jet flew so close that it triggered emergency systems and disabled the autopilot, raising serious concerns about the safety of routine surveillance missions.
Call for Stronger Defence
Ms Cooper stressed the imperative to increase defence and security capabilities and maintain support for Ukraine. She advocated for a stronger Europe within NATO, which she described as the "most successful defensive alliance in history." The foreign secretary emphasised that the current security environment demands a collective and robust response from Western allies.
International Support for Ukraine
Separately, Sir Keir Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders vowed to "double down on their support" for Ukraine and work towards a "just and lasting peace." This commitment underscores the ongoing diplomatic and military backing for Kyiv amid the prolonged conflict.
The warnings from UK officials come as Russia continues to face significant setbacks on the battlefield, prompting concerns that Moscow may resort to more aggressive tactics to compensate for its military shortcomings. The situation remains fluid, with European nations on high alert for potential spillover effects from the war.
