UK warned to stockpile supplies as experts warn of expanding Russian sabotage options
Former army chief Lord Richard Dannatt criticised the government for lagging on Russian threats after officials urged Britons to store three days of food and water.
Lord Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British Army, accused the government of ignoring the growing Russian threat after the defence secretary announced a three-day food and water stockpile recommendation for civilians. He highlighted a suite of possible Russian actions, including nuclear-capable submarines, drone swarms launched from sanctioned oil tankers, and sabotage of undersea communication cables. Recent NATO intelligence suggests Russia is testing shadow-fleet vessels as launch platforms and using fishing boats to map critical cables.
Despite these warnings, the prime minister has not pledged to raise defence spending to the NATO target of 3% of GDP. NATO officials say they are tracking Russian naval activity 24/7, while the UK plans to boost funding for air, missile and cyber defences over the next four years.
Why it matters
The story shows how Russia’s expanding covert capabilities could expose the UK to serious security and infrastructure risks.
How this story developed
- Sep 25 NATO says it has prepared response options to Russian cyber and hybrid threats
- Oct 6 NATO leaders have urged European governments to publicly attribute recent sabotage and drone incidents to Russia.
- Oct 14 The Dutch parliament approved a motion demanding a rapid plan against hybrid warfare.
- Oct 17 Romanian Air Force pilots flying F-16s intercepted and destroyed two unmanned aircraft that entered Romania's airspace above the Black Sea.
- Oct 21 The United States has begun P‑8 Poseidon patrols over the Black Sea at Bulgaria's request.
- Oct 23 Romanian authorities rescued nine crew members while three remain missing.
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