World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Ex-national security chief Sedwill says Britain must ‘go on the offensive’ with Russia to deter hybrid attacks
Former national security adviser Lord Sedwill has urged Britain and its Nato allies to take a more proactive approach to deterring Russia, arguing that defence alone will not stop the Kremlin testing Western defences. He said allies should create strategic dilemmas and make Russia see that its actions carry risks, as the UK already faces cyber-attacks, threats and attempts to disrupt politics.
Speaking at the Atlantic Future Forum aboard HMS Prince of Wales in Oslo, Sedwill also cited Iranian-linked online activity, including messages promoting Scottish independence. Norwegian officials said Russia was reinforcing command posts on its northern flank with sandbags and anti-drone netting as it prepares for possible conflict with Nato. Norway’s intelligence chief warned that misunderstandings over each side’s red lines could cause tensions to shift quickly.
In short
- Sedwill says deterrence needs more than defence.
- He urges allies to make Russia face consequences.
- Norwegian officials report sandbags and anti-drone netting near Nato’s northern flank.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A more active deterrence strategy could make clear that cyber-attacks and other hybrid operations carry costs, reducing Russia’s incentive to test Western defences. Supporters argue that coordinated action by Britain and its Nato allies could create uncertainty for Moscow while strengthening the credibility of collective defence.
The case against
A more offensive posture could invite retaliation, intensify a cycle of escalation and increase the risk of misreading each side’s red lines. A cautious approach focused on resilience, clear communication and defensive measures may better protect the public while limiting the chance that hybrid incidents spill into direct conflict.
Explained simply
Hybrid attacks are actions that fall below the threshold of open war but can still disrupt a country. They may include cyber-attacks, threats or attempts to influence political debate, making it harder to identify who is responsible and how to respond.
The UK and Norway are members of Nato, a military alliance whose members agree to defend one another if attacked. Russia is not a member and has been a source of security concern for Nato countries, particularly those near its borders.
Lord Sedwill is a former UK national security adviser, a role that involved advising the government on threats to the country. The debate over deterring hybrid attacks matters because governments must weigh how to protect their countries while avoiding misunderstandings that could raise tensions.