Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Political aide to the governor of Gilan Province in northern Iran: Air defenses in Rasht shot down a small hostile drone flying over the city
Israeli media: The presence of General Qaani at the “victory celebrations” in Tehran puts an end to the rumors and earlier reports claiming he had been assassinated
Israeli media: There is division within the US administration itself over the extent of what the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities actually achieved
Israeli media: US intelligence also says Iran’s centrifuges remained largely intact
Israeli media: Netanyahu and Trump celebrated too soon, as US intelligence says Iran’s uranium stockpile was not damaged
Israeli Channel 13: The objectives set by Netanyahu for the operation against Iran have not been achieved
Early US intel assessment suggests strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, CNN reports, citing sources
Israeli media platform: An additional soldier has been confirmed killed in the serious incident in Gaza, who had previously been considered "missing" for some time
Pezeshkian: History will not forget how Iran’s enemies broke their pledges and agreements, resorting to aggression and invasion even during negotiations
Israeli media: Between 14 and 16 soldiers were injured in the incident, which reportedly involved two separate units at the brigade and division level

UK labels Russia 'immediate threat', pledges $3bln to Ukraine

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 2 Jun 2025 23:47
3 Min Read

The United Kingdom labels Russia an "immediate threat" as it boosts defense spending and its military aid to Ukraine.

Listen
  • x
  • Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer steps out of 10 Downing Street to greet Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, in London, Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (AP)
    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer steps out of 10 Downing Street to greet Cyprus's President Nikos Christodoulides, in London, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP)

The United Kingdom unveiled its new Strategic Defense Review on Monday, designating Russia as an “immediate and pressing threat” and reaffirming long-term military and economic support for Ukraine, with funding commitments of up to £3 billion ($4 billion) annually "for as long as it takes."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the growing perceived threat from Russia, citing increased “aggression” in British waters, airspace, and cyberspace. The Russian Embassy in London dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

The review highlights Russia’s continued military modernization and warns that its sustained war economy enables rapid reconstruction of land forces should there be a ceasefire in Ukraine. It also flags potential threats from Russia in space, cyber operations, undersea warfare, and the use of chemical and biological weapons.

In addition to bolstering Ukraine’s military capacity, the UK intends to establish joint enterprises with Kiev and facilitate Ukraine’s access to international markets, deepening long-term bilateral cooperation.

The review stresses the need for the UK’s armed forces to draw operational lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly in drone warfare and hybrid military tactics. These insights will inform the evolution of British defense doctrine in a new era of high-tech, multi-domain conflict.

Related News

Russia aims to boost grains, vegoil exports to Iran

Iran says US, 'Israel' crossed 'red line' as Araghchi heads to Moscow

Uptick in domestic military productions

A significant part of the strategy includes a £6 billion investment in domestic munitions production over the current parliamentary term. This will fund the construction of at least six new munitions and energetics factories and establish a £1.5 billion "always-on" supply pipeline to ensure sustained readiness.

With the revised document replacing the previous 2021 strategy, UK defense spending is now set to rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, aligning with NATO targets and reflecting a growing emphasis on industrial defense capacity and alliance cohesion in light of the Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied any intent to attack NATO members, accusing Western leaders of inflating the Russian threat to distract from domestic crises. The Kremlin reiterated that Moscow seeks no conflict but remains alert to NATO’s military posture near its borders.

NATO pressures allies to raise military budgets

Amid concerns from US President Donald Trump over NATO burden-sharing, Healey pledged that the UK will boost its defense spending to 3% of its GDP by 2034.

This target could add over £10 billion in annual military spending, reinforcing Britain’s standing within the alliance.

Other proposals in the review include the creation of an underwater surveillance program to protect undersea infrastructure and the reintroduction of a volunteer Home Guard unit to defend critical sites like airports from drone and cyber threats.

Moreover, the EU recently announced plans to unlock €800 billion in military spending, while NATO allies are considering raising their defense targets to 5% of GDP ahead of the alliance’s annual summit later this month.

  • United Kingdom
  • Russia
  • Ukraine
  • Moscow

Most Read

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest following the US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

Iran declares victory as ceasefire forces Israeli retreat

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025
Rescue team work at the site where a missile launched from Iran struck Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, June 16, 2025 (AP)

Wave 12 of Operation True Promise 3 launched, Sejjil deployed: IRGC

  • Politics
  • 18 Jun 2025
Iran launches strikes on Israeli targets, despite alleged ceasefire

Iran victorious as ceasefire with 'Israel' takes effect

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
'Israel's' medical supply ban to Gaza threatens newborns' lives
Health

Gaza's newborns at risk as 'Israel' blocks baby formula, supplies

Tehran
MENA

Thousands rally in Tehran in support of Iranian Armed Forces

FT
Palestine

UK’s Co-op halts sales of Israeli carrots over rights violations

Israeli security forces inspect the site struck by an Iranian missile strike that killed several people, in Beer al-Sabe', Occupied Palestine, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (AP)
Politics

In numbers: Iran's True Promise 3 devastates 'Israel' in 12 days

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS