World
UK Urges Direct Military Dialogue with Russia to Avoid Miscalculation
Britain’s defence secretary Wes Streeting said the United Kingdom should create new communication channels with Russia, especially at the military level, to reduce the risk of accidental escalation amid rising tensions. In an interview with the Financial Times, Streeting noted that Moscow’s alleged state‑sponsored terrorism and increasing hostile actions against Britain make direct contact more important. "We have our embassy in Moscow. That is an important channel … I would much prefer there to be additional channels too, particularly military‑to‑military level," he said. He added that miscalculation is a greater risk than deliberate escalation.
London has tried to reopen back‑channels with senior Russian defence officials, but Moscow has rebuffed those efforts. No conversations between a serving British chief of defence staff or defence secretary and their Russian counterparts have taken place since 2022, after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. Britain lags behind France and Germany in maintaining political and diplomatic contact with the Russian government.
In September, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the United Nations General Assembly, the first such meeting since 2022. France has also re‑opened communication, with President Emmanuel Macron sending adviser Emmanuel Bonne to meet senior Russian officials in February and speaking with Putin in July 2025. The United States has kept closer high‑level contact with Moscow.
Streeting highlighted several incidents that have heightened tensions, including a Russian warship firing warning shots at a British yacht in the Channel, a Russian aircraft allegedly flying dangerously close to the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, and alleged arson attacks, undersea cable interference and cyber attacks linked to Moscow. A former British national‑security official said Russia’s reluctance to engage is part of a broader strategy to portray the UK as unimportant.
Separately, Streeting warned the European Union that its proposed ‘Made in Europe’ rules could weaken NATO by limiting economic cooperation between allies. He urged the bloc not to use the rules to restrict British companies from participating in EU defence procurement programmes. The comments came ahead of the Atlantic Future Forum conference in Oslo, held aboard HMS Prince of Wales.
Streeting also said Britain could provide further military assistance to Saudi Arabia amid attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Britain has already deployed RAF Typhoon fighter jets, a heavy‑lift transport aircraft and military advisers to support Riyadh. He stressed that the UK would not be drawn into the wider conflict and that a diplomatic solution was necessary to end the war.
Frequently asked questions
What new communication channels does the UK want with Russia?
The UK wants additional channels, especially military-to-military level, beyond the existing embassy channel.
Why does the UK want direct military dialogue with Russia?
To reduce risk of accidental escalation and miscalculation amid rising tensions and alleged hostile actions by Russia.
What incidents have heightened tensions between the UK and Russia?
A Russian warship fired warning shots at a British yacht in the Channel, a Russian aircraft allegedly flew dangerously close to HMS Prince of Wales, and there were alleged arson attacks, undersea cable interference and cyber attacks linked to Moscow.