The United Kingdom must significantly enhance its defenses against Russian "hybrid attacks" targeting critical infrastructure, a former national security adviser has stated.

Lord Ricketts, who previously served as the UK's top national security official, expressed concern that these non-military tactics, including cyber-attacks, sabotage, and misinformation campaigns, are becoming increasingly dangerous.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Ricketts emphasized the need for increased investment in the defense budget and improved resilience in sectors such as energy, transport, and air traffic control. He highlighted recent warnings from MI5 chief Sir Kevin McCallum, who indicated that threats from foreign states, notably Russia and Iran, have quadrupled over the past decade.

Lord Ricketts suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions aim not only to undermine morale in Ukraine but also to destabilize European countries. He cautioned that while direct military conflict is not necessarily imminent, the escalating nature of hybrid attacks could lead to casualties.

Hybrid attacks, characterized by their use of unconventional methods to destabilize a nation, have been increasingly attributed to Russia by European intelligence agencies since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Moscow consistently denies involvement in such activities.

The former national security adviser also commented on the international political landscape, suggesting the UK should focus on strengthening its alliances rather than attempting to mediate between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Lord Ricketts noted that in the current climate, British influence on Mr. Trump's decisions regarding Russia appears limited.

This warning follows similar concerns raised by other European leaders. Germany recently attributed a drone attack on Leipzig airport, which involved an explosive device near Ukrainian cargo planes, to Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron also intensified warnings in September about the growing threat of Russian hybrid attacks against Europe.

The escalating nature of these threats raises questions about the adequacy of current national security strategies and the allocation of resources to counter sophisticated, non-traditional forms of aggression.