Former Army Chief Warns of Imminent War with Russia, Urges UK to Prepare

A former head of the British Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, has issued a stark warning about the potential for war with Russia. He believes the UK could face such a conflict within the next five years. Sir Patrick, who recently stepped down as Chief of the General Staff, emphasized the need for the UK to prepare for this possibility. He suggested measures such as constructing bunkers and investing in robust air defenses.

Sir Patrick expressed concern that the government may not fully grasp the urgency of the situation. He highlighted the potential for Russia, even after a hypothetical cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, to quickly regain the capacity to launch a limited attack on a NATO member. He stated that the UK would be obligated to support that member, and this could occur by 2030. Under the NATO treaty, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Comparing the UK's preparedness to that of countries like Estonia, Poland, and certain Nordic nations, Sir Patrick noted that these countries are acutely aware of the Russian threat. He pointed out that these governments have already instructed their populations on how to prepare for potential attacks, including the construction of bunkers. The former army chief urged the current government to increase funding for air defenses and ensure the availability of backup systems to protect critical national infrastructure.

This warning follows a similar assessment from defense expert Fiona Hill, who believes that Russia's actions in Ukraine are a starting point for its ambition to become a dominant military power in Europe. Hill noted that Russia is already engaging in various forms of aggression against the UK, including sabotage, cyberattacks, and assassinations. She stated that Russia is effectively "at war" with the UK and that Britain can no longer rely on the same level of support from the US as it did during the Cold War.

In response to these concerns, the government has stated its intention to transform its approach to defense in the face of threats from Russia and other potential adversaries. The Defence Secretary has also warned of increasing Russian aggression, as well as new nuclear risks and cyberattacks. The Russian embassy has denied posing any threat to the UK. The Prime Minister has announced plans to increase spending on security and defense significantly. The government has also accepted plans to increase Britain's fleet of attack submarines, build new munitions factories, and procure long-range weapons. The strategic defense review indicated that the size of the Armed Forces would not be reduced, but would grow when funding allows. Sir Patrick also expressed concern that the British Army is currently too small to withstand a prolonged conflict.