‘Russia Is Biggest Threat To Britain'

Defence chief warns new PM not to dismiss Putin

- Katie Harris

The chief of the Armed Forces has warned whoever becomes the next Prime Minister that Russia remains “the biggest threat” to the UK.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin says the “challenge” of Moscow could continue for decades.

His comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his army to “intensify” its attacks on Ukraine.

Sir Tony, the UK Chief of the Defence Staff, said: “The biggest threat is Russia and that’s Russia in all its guises.

“Its land forces are probably less of a threat in the short term [due to] that depletion we’re seeing with their struggle in Ukraine.

“But Russia continues to be a nuclear power, it’s got cyber capabilities, it’s got space capabilities, and it’s got particular programmes under water.

“So it can threaten underwater cables that allow information to transit around the globe.”