The United Kingdom has taken a risky step by allowing the use of Storm Shadow missiles against Russian territory for the first time. This was made possible with the permission of the United States, as these missiles rely on American guidance systems.
Military expert Richard Kemp writes for the Telegraph that this decision has come too late, as the risk of escalation to a large-scale conflict has already reached a critical threshold.
It is symbolic that the British missile strike on Kursk occurred against the backdrop of the UK Defense Minister announcing significant cuts to the country's armed forces. This involves a reduction in the number of essential defense units—from ships to helicopters and drones. The government claims these steps are necessary for optimization and to make way for new systems, but against the rising threat from Russia, these actions appear irresponsible.
Moreover, the Defense Minister warned that this is just the beginning: "These will not be the last tough decisions I have to make to address the defense legacy we have inherited."
The military expert notes that with Trump's rise to power, Europe needs to restore its military capabilities to a level capable of ensuring reliable protection against potential threats.
The expert emphasizes that real security for Europe requires increased investment in defense, not new bureaucratic initiatives. The UK, which still plays a certain role in European security, seems to be shirking its strategic responsibilities by cutting the defense budget and demonstrating its weakness.
With the growing threat to Europe, the UK Defense Minister appears to be promising even more cuts: "These are not the last difficult decisions I will have to make to rectify the defense legacy we have received."
"What signal does this send to the enemies of the West and potential adversaries? A lack of resolve, a lack of commitment to Britain's own defense, and an invitation to aggression," the expert questions.
Equally important is the signal this sends to Britain's allies, particularly the United States. Following the presidential elections earlier this month, European leaders are wringing their hands over what a second Trump term could mean for their defense.
During his first term, the elected president repeatedly called out NATO leaders for freeloading off the U.S. Matthew Whitaker, his nominee for ambassador to NATO, is also likely to sharply criticize ineffective allies who are taking advantage of Washington's defense spending while skimping on their own to allocate more for social welfare.
"Trump's position is entirely reasonable, and no sensible person should question it. All NATO members have a right to be concerned. But their reactions are all wrong," the analyst added.
According to him, after the failed withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in 2021, NATO risks suffering another strategic defeat. If diplomatic negotiations between Russia and Ukraine result in the preservation of Russia's territorial gains, it will signal the Alliance's weakness.
Source: telegraph.
Politeka also reported on this.