The Guardian: UK to name Russia threat ‘immediate and pressing’

The UK’s updated strategic defense review, as reported by the London-based The Guardian, identifies Russia as an “immediate and pressing” security threat. The 130-page document, slated for presentation by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 3, was compiled by three of his advisers.

The review highlights that London is confronting a “new era of threats,” driven by transformative technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, which are reshaping warfare more profoundly than ever before.

Consequently, the threat level facing the UK is assessed as the highest it has been since the Cold War of the 20th century when the Soviet Union was an adversary of Western democracies and NATO.

“Although it is not officially stated that the country is already at war with Russia,” Suspilne said.

Beyond Russia, the document characterizes China as a “sophisticated and persistent threat” that engages in periodic collaboration with Moscow. Additionally, Iran and North Korea are identified as regional destabilizing forces.

The review also touches upon the contentious issue of the British army’s size, with analysts noting a disagreement between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury regarding a potential commitment to increase troop numbers beyond the current target of 73,000 personnel.