With notable exceptions, particularly in Eastern Europe, the European response to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine stands in stark contrast to the United Kingdom’s (UK) approach, which has become increasingly vigorous, creative and purposeful. Through a combination of its diplomatic and intelligence actions[↗] designed to level Russia’s ability to escalate to control events, through strategic support for Ukraine, and because of its efforts to enhance the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) deterrence measures, Britain has taken a lead in upholding an open international order from the Baltic to the Black Sea regions – Europe’s new geopolitical core.

Already, prior to the renewed Russian aggression towards Ukraine, the UK had become significantly engaged in Eastern Europe through its contributions to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence by leading a battalion-sized battlegroup (in Estonia) and contributing to another (in Poland), while simultaneously contributing air power to the Baltic Air Policing Mission. Britain has also deployed Typhoon fighters to Romania since 2016 as a contribution to NATO’s Tailored Forward Presence in Southeastern Europe. 

In addition to these ongoing deployments, the UK has sent additional military support in the form of the Royal Engineers to Poland to counter the border crisis created by the regime in Belarus and 350 Royal Marines in response to the build up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders. These commitments are made under the UK-Poland Treaty on Defence and Security Cooperation[↗] signed in 2017. Britain has also expressed support for Lithuania as it has borne the brunt of Chinese aggression in response to Vilnius’ support for Taiwan.

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