WW3 fears as Putin warns UK 'we are ready' after Starmer announces NATO spending

 The Kremlin today delivered a WW3 warning to Sir Keir Starmer over his decision to increase defence spending. There is a reported £28 billion black hole in the British defence budget and the premier told NATO allies there was a need to "spend more, faster."

But the Kremlin today accused Sir Keir of playing politics with military expenditure, characterising his decision as an attempt to counter his severe political troubles at home. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Vladimir Putin was prepared for war.

"We view the British Prime Minister's announcement of increased defence spending primarily as a response to the difficult domestic political situation in his country," she said.

"This is against the backdrop of negative socioeconomic developments, including an influx of illegal migrants, dilapidated infrastructure, increased tax burdens on the population and businesses, and scandals affecting Starmer's inner circle."

Starmer was "frantically seeking any opportunity to boost his appeal to voters".

But "the risk of this move for the international situation is quite obvious".

Moscow believes Western warmongers are attempting to increase military production which is "escalating tension", she said.

Zakharova warned: "This destructive activity by the British authorities is being fully taken into account by both the Russian Foreign Ministry and the [secret services] in our country...

"No one ever publicises these details."

Putin has made it clear that "if Europe suddenly wants to fight us and starts, we are ready right now....if their aggressive itch doesn't go away, we proceed," she stated.

"We would also recommend that the British government prioritise, first and foremost, the genuine interests of its own population , not the lobbyists of the military-industrial complex, which advocates for an unrestrained increase in defence spending".

Reports suggest that despite Sir Keir's pro-defence stance in Munich, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dismissed any increase in MoD spending this year, despite pressure from military top brass.

Starmer has set a goal of allocating 2.5% of GDP to defence by April 2027, with an "ambition" to raise this further to 3 per cent after the next election.

Donald Trump has called for 5% of GDP from NATO allies, including Britain.