Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that Russia is becoming “more reckless and dangerous” as its military performance in Ukraine falters. Speaking after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden, Cooper said the peace dividend from the end of the Cold War is “gone”.
Cooper stated: “We discussed how Russia’s weakening on the battlefield against Ukraine is also making them more reckless and dangerous. In the face of that threat, the NATO alliance is vital, but Europe and the UK must do more.” She highlighted increased defence investment but stressed the need for further action to protect citizens.
Cooper noted that Russia is under pressure from Ukraine’s military response and economic challenges, leading to “unpredictable” behaviour, including escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians, hybrid threats across Europe, and reports of drone incursions. The threat spans air, land, sea, space, cyber, and information warfare.
Earlier this week, the UK made formal representations to Moscow after two Russian Su-35 jets intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, triggering its emergency systems. General Al Carns also warned of Russian attempts to identify weaknesses in UK infrastructure, such as undersea cables.
Cooper concluded: “Any lingering cosy assumptions about our defence and security are gone. We need to keep increasing our defence capabilities and maintain support for Ukraine.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with French and German leaders, vowed to “double down” on support for Ukraine in a virtual meeting with President Zelensky.
