Russia warning: Putin using 'intimidation tactics' on UK - 'dangerous actions' could erupt

Dr Maryna Vorotnyuk, Research Fellow for Russia and Eurasia, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, said the threats coming from Russia's "malign influence are real and significant" and there remains a risk of "unintended military escalation". But she added the recent incident involving HMS Defender saw Russia ensure the dispute did not spill into a "real fight" and was simply used for "political messaging".