UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was warned in recent days by British security officials that Russia may carry out direct military action against Britain, against the backdrop of his extensive support for Ukraine, according to a Daily Mail report. The warning was conveyed concurrently with CIA Director John Ratcliffe's exceptional visit to Moscow. The report adds that Putin's initial assessment that Burnham would be more moderate than predecessor Keir Starmer was reportedly dashed, and that Russia may attempt an attack via proxy actors.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been warned by British security officials that Russia may be preparing a "direct military action" against Britain, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday. The warning, delivered in recent days, cites Burnham's extensive military and diplomatic aid to Ukraine as the trigger, and coincides with CIA Director John Ratcliffe's rare visit to Moscow on Tuesday.
According to the report, Russian President Vladimir Putin had initially assessed that Burnham would take a more moderate line on Ukraine than his predecessor Keir Starmer. However, those expectations have been dashed as Burnham moved to strengthen the UK-Ukraine military alliance since taking office last month. The report further claims that Russia "examines the British security services daily" and may carry out an attack through proxy actors.
Burnham, who became prime minister in July after Labour leader Keir Starmer resigned, has positioned the UK as one of Ukraine's most steadfast allies. In his first call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in late July, Burnham stated that Britain stands "100% with Ukraine," as The Zioneer reported. The warning represents a significant escalation in the public assessment of the Russian threat to British soil.
3 developments
- DevelopingLikely next UK PM Burnham says war crimes likely committed in Gaza, calls for sanctions and settlement trade ban
- StrongUK PM Burnham tells Zelensky: UK is '100% with Ukraine'
- StrongAssessment grows: Ratcliffe's Moscow visit was warning to Putin over planned NATO attack
- DevelopingThe Zioneer analysis: New UK PM Andy Burnham may escalate steps against Israel
Source and signal
- Open-source intake