A government minister said Russia would be “literally insane” to start a war with NATO.
Chris Philp also described yesterday’s missile attack on a Ukrainian shopping center as a terrorist attack, calling it ‘sick and horrific’.
The Minister of Technology’s comments follow an intervention by the Chief of the Army, Chief of General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders – who suggested that the current situation is like the build – up to the Second World War.
When asked about the view, Mr. Philp told Sky News: ‘I think it refers to the fact that we must do everything we can to support Ukraine.
“We do not want to see an escalation in a larger conflict.
“I think Russia will literally be insane trying to do that, because NATO is a much bigger and a much stronger bloc.”
This comes after Vladimir Putin’s forces bombed the store in Kremenchuk which provoked international condemnation.
Mr Philp likened it to an ‘act of terrorism’, pointing to British efforts to support Ukraine in the war.
Elsewhere, Mr Philp insisted that the Government be committed to the armed forces.
He has been asked about reports that Defense Minister Ben Wallace has asked Boris Johnson to increase UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP – an additional 20% per year – by 2028, amid the war in Ukraine .
“Of course, ministers, state secretaries across the government are making representations to the prime minister and chancellor about their own budget and they will be properly considered at the time of a spending review,” Mr Philp said.
“But it is a government committed to our armed forces. That’s why we’re above that 2% level. ‘
More to follow.
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