Britain faces the looming threat of Russian cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure, a senior minister is set to warn at a NATO conference.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will highlight the severe risks posed by Moscow’s digital warfare, cautioning allies against underestimating its capabilities.
Speaking at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference next week, McFadden will stress that Russia’s actions aim to undermine nations supporting Ukraine, including the United Kingdom.
Drawing lessons from history, he will argue that appeasing aggression only emboldens authoritarian regimes.
“Russia has already targeted British energy infrastructure and won’t hesitate to go further,” McFadden is expected to say. “With a cyber attack, Russia can turn the lights off for millions of people and shut down power grids.”
His remarks, previewed by The Sunday Telegraph, underline Britain’s vigilance in countering Russian cyber operations.
“The United Kingdom and others in this room are watching Russia,” McFadden will declare. “We know exactly what they are doing, and we are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.”
The speech will also reaffirm Britain’s steadfast support for Ukraine, with McFadden calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a leader intent on “destruction, not peace.”
“Putin is trying to deter our support for Ukraine with his threats, but he will not be successful,” McFadden will tell the conference, hosted at Lancaster House.
The warning comes as NATO members bolster their cyber defences amidst growing evidence of Russian attempts to destabilise Western nations.
McFadden’s call to action is expected to reinforce the alliance’s commitment to countering Moscow’s “hidden war” through collective resilience.
As tensions persist, Britain continues to stand firm in its support for Ukraine, emphasising the right of nations to determine their own futures without external interference.
