He calls for urgent government action to increase civil defense and public preparedness, highlighting that other countries have made significant investments in bomb shelters and military infrastructure.

Sir Patrick Sanders, a former head of the British Army, has issued a stark warning that the UK is dangerously underprepared for potential conflicts with Russia, emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment in air defenses and civil resilience measures.

He advocates for the UK to enhance its defense infrastructure by building bunkers and ensuring backup systems for critical infrastructure, warning that current efforts are insufficient to protect against modern threats.

Sanders stresses that the UK must act swiftly, including expanding air defenses and constructing bomb shelters, to prepare for a possible war with Russia within the next five years.

This warning aligns with concerns from defense expert Fiona Hill, who suggests Russia's actions in Ukraine are a sign of its broader ambitions to dominate Europe militarily.

Sanders warns that if Russia ceases its military operations in Ukraine, it could quickly regain the capability to launch limited attacks on NATO members, including the UK, by 2030, which could trigger a broader conflict.

He warns that the UK’s current military size is inadequate for prolonged engagement, with the British Army projected to shrink to its lowest level since the Napoleonic era by 2025, and calls for increased reserves and military readiness.

Sanders emphasizes that the UK should begin constructing bomb shelters and underground command centers to bolster civil defense, especially given the threat of a potential war with Russia within the next five years.

The UK government has acknowledged the need for a transformed defense strategy in response to rising threats from Russia and other adversaries, but critics argue that current measures are insufficient.

Sanders criticizes the UK’s lack of action in enhancing national resilience, comparing it unfavorably to NATO countries like Finland, Poland, Estonia, and Nordic nations, which have taken proactive steps to prepare their populations for potential attacks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, aiming to bolster the UK’s military capabilities amid rising threats.

Sanders describes the likelihood of conflict with Russia within the next five years as a 'realistic possibility,' urging immediate action to prevent a crisis.

He also points out that Russia is engaging in covert actions against the UK, including sabotage and cyber attacks, which heighten the urgency for improved defenses.