A leaked UK defence review reveals chilling new plans to prepare for a catastrophic Russian attack

As tensions with Russia continue to soar, the UK government has embarked on a nerve-wracking overhaul of its defences, preparing for a terrifying reality: a direct military assault. A classified review led by the Cabinet Office is reportedly updating Britain’s Cold War-era homeland defence plan, originally untouched for decades. The scenario? A large-scale attack on UK soil by a hostile state, complete with cyber warfare, missile strikes, and the threat of nuclear weapons.

This overhaul comes as British officials acknowledge that the nation is woefully underprepared for such a catastrophe. With Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine sending shockwaves across Europe, defence chiefs have warned that the UK would be “outgunned” in a full-scale war. The plan, which involves revising the country’s long-dormant “War Book,” aims to reflect the brutal realities of modern warfare, focusing on emerging threats like cyber attacks and missile technology that could outpace Britain’s defences.

The new strategy is expected to detail how the UK government would respond to an all-out attack, including missile strikes that could target key infrastructure, cyber attacks that could cripple essential services, and even the deployment of nuclear weapons. Security officials have already modelled scenarios where cyber strikes and missile assaults happen simultaneously, causing widespread disruption and civilian fatalities. Critical national infrastructure, including gas terminals, undersea cables, and nuclear power stations, is at the forefront of these security concerns. An attack on one of the UK’s five nuclear reactors, officials warn, could unleash radioactive material, with far-reaching health, environmental, and economic impacts.

The threat is not hypothetical. A senior government insider recently admitted that in a scenario where Russia’s missiles had struck the UK as they did in Ukraine, Britain’s defences would have been insufficient to stop them. The country’s military could not prevent the destruction of essential infrastructure, leaving millions vulnerable to catastrophic consequences. The revelation has sent shockwaves through Whitehall, with officials now scrambling to strengthen defences against an array of threats.

The review comes at a time when Russia’s military capability has only grown more advanced. New threats, like hypersonic missiles and nuclear satellites, pose an increasingly serious danger. Experts warn that these weapons could breach current defences and wreak havoc on Britain’s strategic capabilities. These chilling realities have forced the UK government to take drastic steps, including reassessing emergency plans for relocating the Royal Family and ensuring the safety of ministers during national security crises.

As part of these efforts, a senior RAF officer recently noted that had Russia initiated an attack on UK soil in the same way they did in Ukraine, Britain would have been left exposed, with key military assets destroyed by missile strikes. The warning adds to growing concerns over the vulnerability of the UK’s defences in the face of highly sophisticated, state-backed aggression.

This overhaul of the UK’s defence strategy is more than just a precaution—it’s a desperate attempt to catch up with the modern threat posed by Russia. Security chiefs are especially concerned about the catastrophic consequences of a strike on critical energy infrastructure, such as nuclear reactors and power stations. With an increasingly volatile international climate, the UK is now preparing for the worst, hoping that the new plans will be enough to shield the nation from disaster.

The Cabinet Office’s review is set to change the way Britain approaches national security, but whether it can truly protect the nation from a full-scale Russian assault remains to be seen.

THE TELEGRAPH

Keir Starmer’s government is making secret preparations for a potential Russian military attack, with officials tasked to update outdated 20-year-old contingency plans. These plans would place the UK on a war footing in response to escalating threats from the Kremlin. The need for an urgent update comes as tensions with Russia intensify, particularly in light of Russian military activities such as troop movements and preparations for the Victory Day military parade. Despite decades of focus on other security priorities, the UK government is now prioritising readiness for a direct conflict with Russia, prompting a comprehensive review of the country’s defence posture. This shift reflects increasing concerns about the broader geopolitical risks posed by Russia, with Starmer’s leadership now under pressure to bolster the UK’s military readiness and diplomatic response. This move highlights the growing recognition that the UK must prepare for the possibility of a direct military confrontation with Russia.

THE TIMES

Keir Starmer’s government has instructed officials to update the UK’s secret war plans, first devised in 2005, amid rising international tensions. These plans, which detail the UK’s response to an attack, are considered outdated, especially in light of new threats such as cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. As Russia’s military activities continue to escalate, the government is reassessing the country’s readiness for potential conflict. The review will focus on modernising strategies to counter emerging risks, including cyber warfare and hybrid threats, which were not accounted for in the original document. The Cabinet Office’s resilience directorate has been tasked with this update to ensure the UK is better prepared for a direct military assault or a declaration of war. This move comes amid growing concerns about Russia’s increasing military assertiveness and the broader implications for the UK’s security and defence posture.