British Defense Secretary states country must prepare for direct war with Russia
(MENAFN) British Defense Secretary John Healey has stated that the UK is preparing its military and industrial sectors for a potential direct conflict with Russia. His remarks come ahead of the government’s upcoming Strategic Defense Review, which is expected to label both Russia and China as key threats.
Healey told the BBC that £1.5 billion ($2 billion) will be invested in building six new munitions factories, and that a total of £6 billion ($7.6 billion) will be allocated over the next five years for the production of long-range weapons, including Storm Shadow missiles. These missiles, co-developed with France, have reportedly been used by Ukraine in strikes on Russian territory, which Moscow claims targeted civilians.
“This is a signal to Moscow,” Healey said. “The UK is not only reinforcing its military but also strengthening its defense industry as part of our readiness to engage in conflict if necessary.”
The announcement highlights growing concerns over the UK’s depleted weapons stockpiles, which have been strained by extensive support for Ukraine. Britain has provided roughly €15.16 billion ($17.2 billion) in aid to Kiev, with over two-thirds going toward military assistance, according to the Kiel Institute.
Both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed support for deploying Western troops to Ukraine under a peacekeeping mandate, should a ceasefire be reached.
However, Russia has warned that any NATO personnel sent into Ukraine – even under the label of peacekeepers – would be considered legitimate targets and that such involvement would only worsen the conflict without deterring its military goals.
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