Speaking at an international security forum, Starmer said that for many years war felt distant for people in the United Kingdom, something concerning but largely occurring elsewhere. “The solidity of peace is softening,” he warned.
He highlighted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as evidence of Moscow’s willingness to use force, adding that its hybrid tactics—including disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, sabotage, and support for populist movements—pose broader threats to democratic values and social cohesion across Europe.
Although Starmer said Russia has made a “major strategic blunder” in Ukraine, he cautioned that it continues to rearm. Citing NATO assessments, he said Russia could be capable of using force against the Alliance by the end of the decade.
Starmer stressed that even a peace agreement in Ukraine would not remove the wider risks to Europe. He urged European nations to strengthen cooperation, focus on collective security, and build a stronger Europe and a more European NATO, underpinned by closer ties between the UK and the European Union.
