Russia’s Hand Is Seen in Multiple Global Conflicts, Says UK Foreign Secretary Lammy

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized Russia’s involvement in numerous ongoing global conflicts, urging NATO allies to reassess their defense expenditures in light of emerging threats.

Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Lammy underscored the pervasive influence of Russia across various regions. “When we observe the world—the war on our continent in Europe, the significant aggression we see in the Middle East facilitated by Iran, the escalating conflict in Sudan, and now in Syria—there is one nation consistently involved, and that is Russia,” he stated.

Lammy’s remarks come amid heightened concerns in the UK about potential Russian cyberattacks. British officials have warned that such actions could disrupt critical infrastructure, posing risks to millions of citizens.

The broader security implications of Russia’s activities have also prompted adjustments in policies across Europe. Both Sweden and Norway recently reconsidered plans to transition to fully cashless economies, citing vulnerabilities to security threats, including potential cyber operations linked to Russia.

Earlier, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský revealed that approximately 500 suspicious incidents were reported in Europe this year, with up to 100 cases tied to Russian hybrid operations, espionage, and influence campaigns.

Earlier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a cautionary statement to US President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting the threats posed by China, Iran, and North Korea. Rutte also warned against pressuring Ukraine into a peace agreement on terms favorable to Russia, emphasizing the strategic risks for the Alliance.