Meanwhile, in the UK, on 24 January, the head of the British army called for a massive expansion of Britain’s fighting forces, from 74,000 soldiers to 120,000. What he called the current ‘pre-war generation’ should prepare itself for war.
Why? Because of the Russian threat. General sir Patrick Sanders said the war in Ukraine wasn’t just about Donbas or the Russian empire, it was also ‘about defeating our system and way of life politically, psychologically, and symbolically’.
Sanders left the question open whether Britain should reintroduce conscription, but pointedly mentioned Sweden, which has just reintroduced national service. The ministry of defence denied having any plans in that direction.
Topics: Armed forces