Britain must ensure that its armed forces are prepared for a potential direct military confrontation with Russia within the next 1,000 days, UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said in an interview with Channel 4 News.

According to Streeting, the timeframe is not arbitrary but reflects NATO assessments of when Russia could be ready for a military conflict with the alliance.

The British defense chief stressed that the United Kingdom and its NATO partners must accelerate military innovation, strengthen their defense capabilities and expand their armed forces' operational readiness to maintain an advantage over potential adversaries.

Streeting insisted that London does not seek a military confrontation with Moscow and has no hostility toward the Russian people.

However, he argued that the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin require NATO members to prepare for the worst possible scenario.

The defense secretary also expressed skepticism about Putin’s statements that Russia has no intention of going to war with NATO.

Streeting recalled that Russian authorities had similarly denied plans for military action shortly before the start of the special military operation in Ukraine.

In his view, that experience demonstrates why NATO allies cannot rely solely on assurances from Moscow when assessing potential security threats.

The British minister emphasized that preparing for the worst is one of his responsibilities and that the United Kingdom will continue working closely with its NATO partners to strengthen collective defense.

At the same time, Streeting reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, pledging continued unconditional support for the country as it fights for its freedom.