Britain accelerates preparations for possible war after Russian threats: population will be prepared for crises

The United Kingdom is accelerating the country’s preparation for possible military and hybrid threats against the backdrop of new threats from Russia. Some of the defense plans that were supposed to be implemented by 2035 are planned to be implemented by 2030. In parallel, the British are planned to be trained on how to act during large-scale crises and will be recommended to create domestic food and water reserves.

The British media reported on the intensification of training.

The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to accelerate work on the state’s defense plans and combine civilian and military planning in the event of a serious crisis or armed conflict.

One of the key elements should be the update of the so-called “war book”. This is a classified government plan that determines how the state should function in the event of a transition from peacetime to a large-scale crisis or war.

What was planned to be done by 2035, they want to complete by 2030

According to British media, they decided to significantly accelerate some of the measures.

Some elements of the defense planning, which were supposed to be implemented by 2035, should now be ready by 2030.

The reason is the assessment that the security situation may deteriorate much faster than previously expected.

“We really need to accelerate preparations for a wide range of threats. This means that we need to act in the next few years, not over the next decade,” said one of the interlocutors of the British media.

Earlier, British officials and representatives of intelligence agencies warned about the risk that Russia may be ready for a direct confrontation with NATO in the future. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also spoke about the need to be ready for such a scenario by 2030.

Russia threatened Britain to “pay the price”

The acceleration of preparations is taking place against the backdrop of another escalation of rhetoric between Moscow and London.

Russia has said the UK will “pay a price” after reports of the use of British-made drones to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.

The Russian embassy in London accused Britain of “complicity” in the attacks and said the British authorities were allegedly deliberately escalating the situation.

London has stressed in response that it has no plans to abandon its support for Ukraine.

The British Ministry of Defence has said that the country will continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment it needs to defend itself against Russian invasion and will counter Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as against Britain and its allies.

Britain is preparing for attacks in the “grey zone”

British security and defence structures are paying particular attention to scenarios that do not involve open, full-scale war.

These are attacks in the so-called “grey zone” – between peace and direct military conflict.

Potential threats include cyberattacks, sabotage and strikes on critical infrastructure.

Fears have increased after claims of a possible “paramilitary” response against British companies that produce drones and other products to support Ukraine.

Particular attention is being paid to protecting energy and other critical facilities.

Britons will be advised to stock up on food and water

Not only state structures and the army, but also the population are planning to prepare for possible emergencies.

This fall, the authorities are to launch an information campaign on “national resilience”.

Britons will be explained how to behave during a large-scale crisis and what they need to have at home in case of disruptions in the operation of critical infrastructure.

Among the recommendations is the creation of stocks of food, drinking water and candles.

The authorities assume that by 2030 the likelihood of serious security threats may increase.

Largest civil defense exercises to be held in 2027

The next major stage of preparations will be a nationwide exercise.

In 2027, the UK is planning to hold the largest national civil defense exercises in the country’s history.

They will be organized by COBR, the government’s mechanism for responding to large-scale emergencies and crises.

Thus, London is preparing for several scenarios at once — from large-scale cyberattacks and sabotage to potential military escalation. Russian threats have become an additional factor forcing Britain to accelerate defense planning and prepare not only the army, but also the civilian population for crises.