**UK Identifies Russia as an “Immediate and Pressing” Threat in New Defense Review**
The United Kingdom has taken a stern stance against Russia, labeling it an “immediate and pressing” threat in a major strategic defense review. The review, set to be published on Monday, highlights the dangers posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and draws lessons from its own military buildup across occupied Ukrainian territory.
**Heightened Concern Across Europe**
The UK’s move comes at a time when Europe is on high alert over the potential for expanded conflict. Russia continues to maintain strongholds across occupied Ukrainian territory, while British and French forces have committed to leading a multinational “reassurance force” of up to 30,000 troops in Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached.
**Peace Talks Remain Uncertain**
Ukraine and Russia are expected to meet on June 2 in Istanbul after the first round of peace talks on May 16. However, the prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain due to Russia’s continued aggression and maximalist demands. During the first round of talks, Ukraine offered an immediate halt to hostilities, an all-for-all prisoner swap, and a meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Russia refused, instead sending a low-level delegation.
**China Also Identified as a Threat**
Alongside Russia, the review identifies China as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge.” Beijing’s growing ties with Moscow and its role in supplying critical components for Russian weapons systems are of particular concern. Recently, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Chief Oleh Ivashchenko alleged that Beijing provided special chemicals, gunpowder, and other defense-related materials to at least 20 Russian military-industrial facilities.
**British Army Shrinking**
The British review is also expected to address the shrinking size of the British Army, which has dropped below 71,000 active-duty troops – its lowest strength since the Napoleonic era. Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts noted that while drones, cyber capabilities, and artificial intelligence are crucial, “another lesson of Ukraine is that mass counts, in terms of manpower and equipment.”
**A “Deadly Quartet”**
The report reportedly references broader global threats posed by a “deadly quartet”: Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These countries are increasingly collaborating across multiple domains, with Iran supplying drones to Russia and North Korea deploying troops to aid Moscow.
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