Russia on Wednesday warned the U.S. to stop what it said was a “spiral of escalation” over Ukraine as Washington moves to quickly supply Kyiv with more weapons as the Biden administration winds down.

Russia's demographic crisis is deepening, with the nation projected to lose up to half of its population by the end of this century. In response, Moscow is stepping up its war on Western-style liberal influence with a law that fines anyone who promotes a childless lifestyle.

Mr Dearlove said the UK had to 'face up' to the fact that Russia believes it is at war with the West.