Oral QuestionMinistry of Defence

What assessment he has made of the level of threat from Russia.

Tabled: 21 May 2026Answered: 1 June 2026

Asked by

Gordon McKee

LabourGlasgow South

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Defence

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

Russia poses a significant and persistent threat to UK and Atlantic security. Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine is now in its fifth year, and Russia conducts hostile cyber-activity, spreads disinformation and carries out sabotage against the UK and many other NATO allies almost daily. European security starts in Ukraine. In response to the recent brutal Russian attacks on Ukraine, I directed UK deliveries of air defence systems to Ukraine to be accelerated. This month, I will chair the next meeting of the 50-nation-strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters, at which we will look to further step up the military aid we can provide together.