Britain is facing a potential conflict with Russia due to a series of aggressive actions orchestrated by Kremlin officials and intelligence operatives, experts caution. The mounting incidents include poison attacks on UK soil, increased espionage activities, public bombings, cyber intrusions, spy plane activities, and submarine trespassing, prompting heightened vigilance.
Over the years, at the behest of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin intelligence agents have engaged in provocative “grey zone” assaults against the UK. Former MI5 chief Eliza Manningham-Buller concurred with assertions by UK Russia expert and former White House adviser Fiona Hill that Russia is effectively waging a war against Western nations. Manningham-Buller remarked that the extensive cyber and physical attacks, along with intelligence operations, suggest a state of conflict with Russia.
Reports from Poland, Estonia, and other Baltic countries have documented airspace violations by Russian aircraft, culminating in increasingly bold actions that have raised concerns. These aggressive maneuvers, falling just below the threshold for war, have strained the patience of the UK and its NATO partners, prompting military readiness and a race to bolster defenses against potential Russian aggression.
Recent events, such as the conviction of individuals involved in a Russian-conspired arson attack on a London warehouse, have underscored the extent of Russian interference in the UK. The attack, which caused significant damage, involved British individuals acting as proxies for a Russian mercenary group, highlighting the direct involvement of the Russian state in criminal activities on British soil.
The UK has been at the forefront of Western support for Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, providing military assistance, training Ukrainian forces, and offering refuge to those affected by the conflict. This active backing of Ukraine has drawn the ire of the Kremlin, positioning the UK as a key target due to its role in supporting Ukraine against Russian incursions.
Russian operatives have carried out brazen killings on UK streets, exemplified by the 2018 Salisbury poisoning incident that left individuals fighting for their lives and resulted in fatalities. The suspects, identified as Russian special forces personnel, were captured on CCTV cameras leaving the scene of the poisoning, underscoring the audacity of Russian covert operations on foreign soil.
Suspected Russian cyber attackers have been linked to disruptions at major European airports, including Heathrow, causing widespread travel disruptions and economic losses. Such cyber assaults, though non-military in nature, pose a significant threat to national security, instill fear in the public, and have adverse economic repercussions.
Frequent encounters with Russian long-range aircraft and submarines near UK airspace and maritime borders have strained UK defense resources and heightened security concerns. These incidents not only test UK response capabilities but also aim to create a sense of constant threat from Russia, underscoring the need for enhanced vigilance against potential Russian aggression.