Defence MoD: UK faces Russia, China, Iran and North Korea "deadly quartet" as government launches military review By Freddie Webb Published 16th Jul 2024, 10:15 BST Comment Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now The West faces a “deadly quartet” of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, the head of the Government’s root-and-branch defence review has warned. Former Nato chief Lord Robertson of Port Ellen said the four states were “increasingly working together”. Vladimir Putin has relied on supplies from the states to wage his war in Ukraine, with Iranian drones, North Korean munitions and Chinese components sustaining his ability to attack despite Western sanctions.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has launched a strategic defence review, examining how to strengthen UK homeland security, bolster Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and modernise and maintain the nuclear deterrent. A roadmap on how to reach the government’s target for spending 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence will also be set out.
Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toast during a reception at the Mongnangwan Reception House in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. Photo by VLADIMIR SMIRNOV/POOL/AFP - Russian state agency Sputnik - via Getty Images. | POOL/AFP via Getty Images Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digita.