The Free Press · October 5, 2026 · By Martin Gurri

British officials warn of war risk with Russia

• Sir Richard Knighton, UK chief of the defence staff, called the current period "the most dangerous period that I have known," adding that the Ukraine war shows Putin's willingness to target neighboring states, which he said threatens all of NATO including the UK.
• Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said "the shadow of war is knocking on Europe's door."
• Sir Richard Shirreff, former NATO deputy supreme allied commander, warned that without stronger European deterrence, Europeans face a war with Russia.
• Jacob Rees-Mogg urged Britons to "do their duty" in case of war.
• The BBC ran the headline: "War may be coming. Are we psychologically ready?"

Statements via Express, iNews, The London Economic, and MSN, cited in the original report.