Russia's war on Ukraine is nearing five years, raising fears in the UK about possible conflict. Military leaders warn Britain might only fight for a few weeks if war with Russia starts. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Europe could face conflict if it challenges the US efforts in Ukraine. Though a UK-Russia war alone is unlikely, Nato support is expected. Modern war extends beyond bombs and missiles, including attacks on phones, bank services, and energy supplies. Russian spy vessels have reportedly scanned undersea cables near the UK, prompting the Royal Navy to use underwater drones for protection. A Royal United Services Institute conference revealed the UK lacks plans for a long war. Hamish Mundell of RUSI said, "Medical capacity is limited. Reserve regeneration pipelines are slow… The British plan for mass casualty outcomes appears to be based on not taking casualties." Russia's army suffers heavy losses but can replace troops and produce weapons at scale. UK forces number around 74,000, but only about 54,000 are deployable. Experts say the British Army would be degraded within weeks in a serious conflict. Recent talk of reviving UK national service failed due to cultural resistance, unlike moves in France and Germany. Defence spending rose recently, but critics say it is still insufficient compared to Russia's 7% GDP war effort. Potential conflict hotspots include the Suwalki Gap separating Poland and Lithuania, and Baltic states with Russian minorities. UK has faced hostile acts linked to Putin, including the Litvinenko and Skripal poisonings. While the UK is unlikely to face Russia alone, the unpredictability of US support adds uncertainty. Keir Giles from Chatham House says, "Rights and freedoms...are under threat and freedom does not come for free." British society is not prepared for war, and serious preparation would be costly and politically difficult. The root of the threat, Giles notes, lies in Moscow.