The war in Ukraine is in a “precarious” phase with the Russian military “resetting and positioning” ahead of what may be an “even more brutal” campaign, according to the head of the Royal Air Force.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigton told Sky News: “Everything from our intelligence tells us that Russia is repositioning for another attack.
“Potentially it will be even more brutal, even more barbaric, even more illegal than what we’ve already seen”, he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Read more: Putin’s spokesman denies war crimes
“The Russians are resetting and there is every expectation they are going to come back and Ukraine is going to feel the full brunt of what Russia will bear.”
The Chief of the Air Staff said RAF personnel were ready to transport armoured vehicles on transporter aircraft to the country if ministers approve such support: “I am ready with the Royal Air Force to do whatever our government decides is necessary to support Ukraine.”
Read more: Did Russian soldiers execute prisoner?
Ukraine invasion: Devastated headteacher ‘can’t talk without crying’ after nursery destroyed by Russian shelling
Ukraine war: No way out for 150,000 people trapped in city of ‘hell’ Chernihiv – as Russian forces bomb last bridge standing
Ukraine war: Indiscriminate attacks on outskirts of Kyiv strike terror through communities and generate terrible horror
The comments follow reports in The Times that plans are being drawn up to send protected patrol vehicles, such as the Mastiff, to help the Ukrainian military to advance towards Russian lines.
In response to suggestions that the West should arm Ukrainians with anti-ship missiles to keep control of the Black Sea coast, Sir Mike said such weapons were “under consideration” but deferred to political leaders.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Air Chief Marshall Wigton defended the UK against claims it had been slow to develop hypersonic weapons.
“I wouldn’t say that we are behind,” he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Follow live updates on the Ukraine war
“We have some very interesting technical programmes already under way.”
In October, the US confirmed China had conducted a test of a hypersonic missile.
Earlier this week the US, UK and Australia announced a joint attempt to develop the high-speed weapons to counter Russia and China.
