Following a series of defeats in Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary has raised concerns about Russia’s escalating recklessness and danger. Yvette Cooper, speaking at a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden, highlighted the increasing unpredictability of Vladimir Putin’s forces as they faced challenges on the battlefield. She warned that Russia was expanding its assaults on Western countries through various domains like air, land, sea, space, and cyber to divert attention from their setbacks.
In a recent incident, a Russian Su-35 jet dangerously intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, causing the British aircraft to activate emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot, as reported by the Ministry of Defence.
Addressing the situation after the meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for enhanced defense efforts in Europe and the UK as Russia’s vulnerabilities in Ukraine were making them more erratic and hazardous.
Additionally, London formally protested to Moscow after Russian jets intercepted a British spy plane above the Black Sea earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with leaders from France and Germany, pledged increased support for Ukraine during a separate virtual meeting. They expressed solidarity with Ukraine’s military efforts and reiterated their commitment to countering Russian aggression for the security of Europe and the world.