The British Army must “raise its game” in case it is obliged to confront Russia’s threat “head-on”, Warrant Officer Paul Carney has warned. 

At the Land Warfare Conference at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Gen. Sanders recently discussed the ground-breaking revelation that some British soldiers have been instructed to inform their families that they may be deployed to support Ukraine.

Carney, who has served as the UK’s Army Sergeant Major, the most senior warrant officer and member of the other ranks in the British Army, also also claimed that the British Army was “shaping itself to meet the threat from Russia and was ready to counter any aggression.”

In his monthly column for Soldier magazine, he wrote “I want us all to check we are physically fit for operations. And it is also important we prepare loved ones and families, who often have the hardest role in our absence.”

Advertisement

According to additional information in Soldier Magazine, Gen. Sanders has however asserted that preparation is crucial and that the warning does not necessarily imply that the Army is prepared to deploy to Ukraine.

Nevertheless, Gen. Sir Patrick Sanders has still urged all commanders to “step up” their performance.

In his speech, he discussed some of the ongoing training the British Army is receiving to combat Russia.

“We are mobilising the Army to help prevent war in Europe by being ready to fight and win alongside our Nato allies and partners”.

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November, 4, 2024
Other Topics of Interest

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November, 4, 2024

Latest from the Institute for the Study of War.

“This is the moment to defend the democratic values that define us; to help our brave Ukrainian allies in their gallant struggle -and stand with our friends and partners to help maintain peace throughout the rest of Europe” The top general said.

Britain has been a key player in the conflict, providing weapons and rocket launchers to support Ukraine’s defence.

Royal Marines are also currently stationed within the British embassy in Kiev and are preparing to adjust to these shifting circumstances. Additionally, Gen. Sanders stated in his speech that a careful review and re-evaluation of combat strategies and how British soldiers best operate in high-intensity battle are currently underway.

Advertisement

These revelations are not surprising given the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, with experts even fearing a surge in aggression by Russia this week.

Despite the worsening circumstances, Ukraine will go ahead and celebrate its independence on Wednesday and highlight six months since Russia invaded the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged citizens to exercise caution prior to the anniversary.

In his daily address last night, he stressed: “We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious.”

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter