Horror WW3 warning as Britain could face Russia in conflict in just 12 months

An expert has warned of the threat Russia poses to Britain. (Image: Getty)

Britain could be drawn into a "wider conflict" with Russia in just one year, an expert has warned. Defence strategist Nicholas Drummond raised the alarm over just how unprepared the country and Europe as a whole is to deal with the threat posed by Vladimir Putin.

He explained that the Russian president may escalate the war in Ukraine, forcing the UK to intervene. However, Mr Drummond said the British Army is not ready to make a "sustainable contribution" to a potential conflict with Russia. He told the Express: "Putin may need to escalate further, more immediately to ensure his survival. It means we could be drawn into a wider conflict with Russia sooner rather than later.

Putin could escalate the war in Ukraine. (Image: Getty)

"A wider conflict with Russia occurring within the next 12-18 months is a scenario for which neither Britain nor Europe are prepared.

"Britain possesses a capable and credible navy and air force, but the British Army lacks the scale and resources to make a sustainable contribution to any land conflict.

"It is worrying that the Government has refused to recognise the risks we face or the fact that we may be forced to act sooner rather than later."

This comes after NATO fighter jets were scrambled when Russia entered Polish airspace last week as the alliance activated Article 4 of its treaty.

The move triggered a discussion among the members of the military alliance about the incident. Poland, a NATO member state, branded the presence of Russian drones in its airspace an "act of aggression".

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said it had detected overnight drones in its airspace as a result of an intense Russian attack on Ukraine.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey warned that Putin is "testing" the West - but Ukrainian allies will stand together and "firm" against his threats.

He said: "Together, we the E5 totally condemn these attacks. Russia’s actions are reckless, they’re dangerous, they’re unprecedented. We see what Putin is doing. Yet again he is testing us. Yet again we will stand firm."