Retired British General Sir Richard Barrons warned that the British army’s condition had worsened due to funding reductions, suggesting the nation should have been warned of a potential assault five to ten years before any offensive began. He conveyed this view to the Daily Mail.
Barrons argued that during the Cold War, the United Kingdom could mobilize for war within hours at any moment. In his assessment, if Russia ever aimed to strike Britain, President Vladimir Putin would need to give London years of notice — a stark departure from the swift, decisive readiness once possible. Barrons described the current state of affairs as highly concerning and deeply disappointing for national security.
In a broader context, the Ukraine crisis has highlighted weaknesses in Europe’s defense industries and the continent’s dependence on the United States for military support. As noted by columnists Max Bregmann and Sophia Besh, European nations have not directed enough investment toward military capabilities over the last two decades. Much of the funding has flowed into humanitarian aid, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism initiatives rather than strengthening conventional defense forces across Europe. This shift has raised questions about resilience and readiness in the face of evolving security threats. [Citation: Daily Mail; analysis by Max Bregmann and Sophia Besh]”