British Army Chief Warns That Britain Faces an Inevitable Clash with Russia Over Ukraine Conflict and National Security

Britain could be on a collision course with Russia no matter the outcome of the war in Ukraine, General Sir Roly Walker, the Chief of the General Staff, warned on the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s invasion.

Speaking exclusively to the press, Sir Roly painted a stark picture of a Kremlin preparing for a larger, more lethal confrontation, saying there is no sign Russia is scaling back its ambitions.

“The West, and Britain in particular, is on Russia’s radar.

It’s on their terms or no deal,” he said, emphasizing that even if the Ukraine war ends, the threat from Russia will remain.

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Russia Continues to Replenish Forces Despite Heavy Losses

Despite suffering more than 1.25 million casualties and losing thousands of tanks and armored vehicles, Russia continues to send tens of thousands of troops to the frontlines.

Western analysts warn that this relentless commitment is straining the Russian military and economy, yet Moscow is reportedly focused on rearming and expanding its capabilities to become an even bigger threat.

Armed Forces Minister Al Carns echoed Sir Roly’s concerns, likening the current situation to the prelude to World War Two in 1937 and 1938.

He also highlighted the extraordinary operational costs Russia has incurred, including the destruction of 10,000 armored vehicles and 4,000 tanks.

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Britain Urged to Ramp Up Defenses

Sir Roly stressed that Russia will only take Britain seriously when it sees the UK producing arms at wartime rates.

He called for a renewed focus on rebuilding the national arsenal, pledging that Britain would confront and defeat Russia should it attempt to attack NATO territory.

“Russia started this war by invading Ukraine.

We need to continue supporting Ukraine, and also make it crystal clear to Putin that any attempt to seize NATO land will fail.

We will never give up what matters to us,” Sir Roly said.

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Ukraine Calls Russia’s Moves a Global Threat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russia has effectively already started World War Three, stating that Moscow is attempting to impose a “different way of life” on the world.

In Russian-occupied areas, civilians are being forced to adopt Russian passports and speak Russian, a move Kyiv condemns as part of the Kremlin’s Russification tactics.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking from Kyiv, called these actions “despicable,” highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

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Western Officials Predict a Pivotal 2026

The year ahead could prove decisive.

For the first time, Russian casualties are outpacing recruitment, marking a shift in what Western officials call the “manpower calculus.”

Russia relies heavily on large numbers of infantry for frontal assaults, often sending foot soldiers across no-man’s land before committing tanks in subsequent waves.

Recent figures show that Russia lost 16,000 troops on a single stretch of the front line in just two weeks.

Combined with the militarization of its economy and the scale of the conflict, analysts warn it may become increasingly difficult for Russia to cease fighting.

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Sir Keir Starmer Signals More Support for Ukraine

Meanwhile, in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce additional support for Ukraine, convening a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss the next steps in assisting Kyiv.

The ongoing commitment demonstrates Britain’s determination to remain a key player in the geopolitical struggle against Moscow’s aggression.

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What’s Next?

Britain and its allies are expected to continue bolstering Ukraine’s defenses while preparing for the possibility of broader confrontations with Russia.

Defense experts anticipate more investment in national armaments and joint NATO exercises to send a clear warning to Moscow.

For Russia, the focus will likely remain on replenishing troops and equipment, but Western analysts suggest that the sustainability of its military campaign may be under serious strain in 2026.

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Summary

By MARK NICOL, DEFENCE EDITOR
Published: 19:44 EST, 23 February 2026 | Updated: 03:10 EST, 24 February 2026

The head of the British Army, General Sir Roly Walker, warns that Britain is on a collision course with Russia regardless of Ukraine’s war outcome.

Moscow continues to rebuild its forces despite over 1.25 million casualties, while Britain is urged to ramp up its national defense capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims Russia has already triggered World War Three, and Western officials predict 2026 will be a pivotal year in the conflict as Russia struggles to replace lost troops and equipment.