UK must protect against Russian 'hybrid attacks', ex-national security adviser says
The government must do more to safeguard key infrastructure from "hybrid attacks" originating from Russia, according to former national security adviser Lord Ricketts.
He noted that these attacks, which utilize non-military tactics such as hacking, sabotage, and misinformation, are becoming "more reckless, more dangerous", with the potential to result in "people... getting killed."
This warning comes on the heels of MI5 chief Sir Kevin McCallum's assertion that threats from foreign states, notably Russia and Iran, have quadrupled in the last decade.
Lord Ricketts emphasized the need for ministers to inform the public about impending risks, stating, "Putin is... trying to undermine morale in European countries."
He criticized US President Donald Trump's decision to block sanctions on Russia, suggesting that it "encourages him [Putin] to keep attacking" Ukraine. Instead, he urged the UK to focus on strengthening the coalition of the willing.
European leaders have expressed concerns that Russia may be preparing attacks to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine, with Germany recently attributing a drone attack on a Leipzig airport to Russia, and French President Emmanuel Macron warning of intensifying hybrid attacks.