Fiona Hill, a former chief Russia adviser in the White House and strategic defense review contributor, stated that the United Kingdom is currently at war with Russia, highlighting that the country must reassess its trusted alliances, particularly with the United States.

Hill, who has spent over 30 years in the US and is a dual national, emphasized the urgency for the UK to enhance its internal cohesion and resilience in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

In her remarks, Hill described the UK's geopolitical predicament as a struggle between the challenges posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the unpredictability of former President Donald Trump's administration.

She noted that the UK faces increasing threats from Russia, which she characterized as a state that has intensified its adversarial stance.

Hill indicated that the war in Ukraine marks a pivotal moment where Russia seeks to establish itself as a dominant military power in Europe.

Hill pointed to various forms of aggression from Russia, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and targeted assassinations, as ongoing challenges for the UK. Her comments reflect a broader acknowledgment that the UK's traditional foreign policy assumptions must adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape influenced by these threats.

The recent defense review, which Hill contributed to alongside figures such as former NATO secretary-general Lord Robertson and retired General Sir Richard Barrons, articulates an awareness that previous frames of global power dynamics have shifted significantly.

The review positions the UK as needing to adapt its defense posture in response to these changes, recognizing that it can no longer rely on US military support in the same manner as during the Cold War.

Hill articulated that the UK is tasked with managing its most significant ally while cautioning against overreacting to political instabilities within the US. The review has indicated a notable shift in national security approaches, recognizing the implications of Trump's influence on international relations.

Despite her role in the defense review process, Hill refrained from elaborating on specific strategic advice concerning the management of the US relationship, describing the Trump administration as essentially a ‘court’ driven by personal interests.

She acknowledged Trump's unique affinity for the UK, stemming from familial ties and interests in the royal family.

Furthermore, Hill expressed concerns regarding the potential influence of populist movements from the US spilling into British politics, referencing the recent electoral successes of the reform-minded party Reform UK. She noted that the implications of such populism could significantly reshape domestic governance and public discourse in the UK.

In her view, the challenges facing the UK require a rethinking of defense strategies that extend beyond traditional military frameworks.

Hill advocates for social resilience initiatives, such as enhanced community engagement and youth involvement in defense-related training and activities, indicating that these measures are essential for bolstering national security.

Hill cautioned against the conventional metrics typically used to assess military strength, arguing that contemporary warfare, particularly involving technological advancements such as drones, requires a new perspective on what constitutes a military force.

She underscored the need for innovative solutions to address the pressing issues of national security in the context of an increasingly complex international order.

As the UK navigates these multifaceted challenges, Hill's insights reflect a critical moment in shaping the nation's defense strategy amid evolving global threats and shifting alliances.