From cyber attacks to assassinations, our experts analyse the most likely ways Moscow could deliver on its threats of retaliation. An intensification of the sabotage campaign, including operations inside Ukraine, is considered one of the most likely options.
Against the backdrop of statements by the Russian Embassy in London threatening the United Kingdom with “consequences” for its support of Ukraine, The Telegraph has examined what actions Russia could take.
One of the most likely scenarios is an escalation of the sabotage campaign involving drones and cyberattacks. Russian agents could intensify arson attacks on warehouses linked to Ukraine and deploy more drones against military bases and airfields. Hackers could also launch more frequent cyberattacks, including against civilian infrastructure.
According to experts interviewed by the newspaper, such actions could inflict significant financial damage. The objective of Russian sabotage operations could therefore be to “increase the cost of supplying support to Ukraine and protecting critical infrastructure.”
An attack on British facilities in Ukraine is also considered highly likely.
“This is probably the most likely course of events in the event of Russian escalation. Britain supplies goods to Ukraine through a network of physical facilities inside the country. The existence of some of these sites has already been publicly reported. In March, the Ministry of Defence said there were four maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in Ukraine where ‘British companies with British and Ukrainian staff’ were restoring armoured fighting vehicles and artillery.”