{
  "id": 15199038,
  "title": "UK must protect against Russian 'hybrid attacks', ex-national security adviser says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/uk-must-protect-against-russian-hybrid-attacks-ex-national-security",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T12:56:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmze4y9rjepro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lord Ricketts, a former national security adviser, has warned the UK government must do more to protect key infrastructure from Russian hybrid attacks. He suggested increased funding for the defence budget, alongside bolstering the resilience of energy, transport, and air traffic control systems. Lord Ricketts cautioned that these attacks are becoming more reckless and dangerous, potentially resulting in casualties. This comes after MI5 chief Sir Kevin McCallum's recent remarks at the annual speech, stating that threats from foreign entities, including Russia and Iran, had quadrupled in the last decade. Lord Ricketts emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not only aiming to demoralize Ukraine but also to undermine the morale of European countries. He revealed that MI5 chief has issued a sobering warning about the potential escalation of hybrid attacks in the UK or other NATO territories. When asked about the impact of Russian disruption, Lord Ricketts clarified that he does not anticipate a large-scale industrial war with tanks advancing across Germany. However, he reiterated that these hybrid attacks are growing more reckless and dangerous, with the possibility of fatalities. The warning echoes concerns raised by US President Donald Trump's decision to block sanctions on Russia, a move that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky believes emboldens Putin to continue his attacks. Lord Ricketts also highlighted the importance of the UK focusing on strengthening the coalition of willing nations rather than attempting to mediate between Zelensky and Trump. Recent incidents, such as Germany's drone attack on an airport in Leipzig and French President Emmanuel Macron's warning of intensified hybrid threats, underscore the escalating danger posed by Russia.",
  "summary": "Lord Ricketts says more should be spent on improving the resilience of energy, transport, air traffic control and defence sites.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former national security adviser warns UK to protect against Russian hybrid attacks.",
    "Russian President Putin aims to demoralize Ukraine and undermine European morale."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}