Russia Signals Response to UK Defense Spending Increase
Russia warns of countermeasures as the UK boosts defense spending. Moscow reacts to Keir Starmer’s military budget plans amid a £28bn shortfall.
The United Kingdom has reacted nervously to a warning from the Russian Foreign Ministry about possible countermeasures in response to London’s plans to boost defense spending.
According to the Daily Express, Moscow issued what the paper described as a «frightening warning» directed at Britain and Prime Minister Keir Starmer after his decision to increase the military budget. The publication highlighted growing concern over the state of the country’s defense finances, noting a shortfall estimated at £28 billion.
Against this backdrop, Starmer has called on NATO allies to ramp up their own military funding — and to do so at a faster pace.
On February 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on current foreign policy issues that Moscow is working on response measures in connection with the rise in British defense spending. She indicated that London’s intention to expand its military budget is being closely monitored by Russian authorities and is fully taken into account in their planning.