By Gabriel Princewill-
The British government’s promotion of its contribution to the war in Ukraine risks an escalation in the process by doing so. Continuous public announcements by the British government promoting the support of weapons to Ukraine is ill advised and should be discouraged, given its potential drive towards publicity and self-promotion rather than towards the genuine need to highlight the necessity for such support.
The latest comments from Sir Patrick Sanders for the British army to prepare for a potential world war in Europe has the semblance of recklessness and self glorification. The declaration followed warnings from both the Prime Minister and NATO’s General Secretary for the explicit offer of long term military support.
Support for Ukraine against the tyrannical attack of Russia has been imperative to a large degree, but the unbridled declaration of weaponry support now bolstered by rhetoric of readiness for a third word war is most imprudent.
British troops must prepare “to fight in Europe once again” as the war in Ukraine continues, the new head of the Army openly declared lover the weekend , in an announcement one could have likened unto the promotion of a boxing match or a game of football.
General Sir Patrick Sanders,(pictured) who took over from General Sir Mark Carleton Smith on Monday was clearly buzzing in his new top post, he could not resist making a big statement, however precarious the potential consequences.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underlines our core purpose to protect the UK by being ready to fight and win wars on land,” he said.
“There is now a burning imperative to forge an Army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle.
“We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once again.”
He proudly added that he is the first Chief of the General Staff since 1941 to take command of the Army “in the shadow of a land war in Europe involving a continental power”.
The 56-year-old, who has previously commanded on operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, vowed to accelerate plans to modernise the Army and to deploy overseas more often to respond swiftly to crises. But in his new role, General Saunders will lead the smallest British Army for 300 years, after the Government cut the force to 73,000 troops.
His supremely confident tone comes amid growing fears that Vladimir Putin could launch a strike against one of Britain’s NATO allies in eastern Europe. His comments might have been designed for a show of might, but it was unarguably premature and unnecessary.
The elevation of personal status inherent in his announcements is not only reproachable, it bears the hall marks of a folly at a time when the world wants peace.
His comments came following Boris Johnson’s recent trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukraine’s president, after which the Prime Minister said Vladimir Putin’s invasion is “entering a new phase”.
Writing in The Times, Mr Johnson said: “I am afraid that we need to steel ourselves for a long war, as Putin resorts to a campaign of attrition, trying to grind down Ukraine by sheer brutality.
“Our task is to enlist time on Ukraine’s side.”
Johnson, who recently visited Zelensky in Ukraine, is committed to supporting the country for the long haul, especially in light of the country’s leader’s incessant call for increased military aid.
However, the an underestimation for the potential levity of escalating the war is far more dangerous than any show. The Uk Government set out plans last year to reduce the size of the regular Army, lowering the target size from 82,000 personnel to 72,500 by 2025. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has seen oligarchs heavily sanctioned, with the west lending as much support as possible to support Ukraine and ensure their victory.