Britain must be prepared to strike Russian military bases in the Arctic to contain Putin, former prime minister Rishi Sunak.
According to Sunak, Russia is actively increasing its military presence on the Kola Peninsula, where its Northern Fleet is based and a significant portion of its nuclear forces are concentrated. At the same time, the activity of the Russian Navy off the coast of Great Britain increased by 41%.
The main threat is the loss of control over the North Atlantic Ocean. In the event of war, this would complicate the transfer of American troops and equipment to Europe. Submarine cables, through which about 99% of international Internet traffic passes, are also at risk.
Sonak calls for increased underwater surveillance, joint operations with northern European allies and training of British commandos for operations in the Arctic.
"We must show Russia that in the event of a conflict we can endanger its bases," the former prime minister emphasizes in an article for the "Sunday Times".
In his opinion, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Putin will continue to test the power of the West, so deterrence must include a real opportunity to damage the Russian military infrastructure.