Key facts
- Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts warned of immediate Russian threat to UK.
- Ricketts called for investment in resilience for key sectors like energy and water supplies.
- MI5 described Russia as the "number one aggressor" and is devoting more resources to combating hostile states than during the Cold War.
- Gen Sir Roly Walker stated soldiers may need to fight in a war due to global jeopardy.
Ministers must be honest with the British public about the immediate threat posed by Russia, which could lead to lives being lost, according to former national security adviser Peter Ricketts. Ricketts, who previously advised David Cameron, warned that Kremlin cyber-assaults could target banking systems, energy, or water supplies and called for increased investment in national resilience. His comments follow similar warnings from MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum and Chief of the General Staff Gen Sir Roly Walker. McCallum described Russia as the "number one aggressor" and stated MI5 is dedicating more resources to countering hostile state threats than during the Cold War. Walker told troops that "sacrifices" would be needed to prioritize defense and security, suggesting soldiers might have to fight in a war. The warnings come amid a difficult week for Ukraine, with US President Donald Trump waiving sanctions on Russia and suggesting Ukraine needed a new leader. Concerns have also been raised about the US withdrawing intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Ricketts urged the government to allocate more funds for protecting critical infrastructure in Britain.