Putin doesn't really want a war with NATO because 'Russia will lose and lose quickly,' UK military chief says

• Russia doesn't want a conflict with NATO as it would "lose quickly" the UK's armed forces chief said.
• Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Russia would be hugely outnumbered on the ground, air, and at sea.
• But he said Russia is still dangerous and could launch attacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn't really want a conflict with NATO because in that scenario Russia would quickly lose, the head of the UK's armed forces said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event in London, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said that "the inescapable fact is that any Russian assault or incursion against NATO would prompt an overwhelming response."

He said that "the biggest reason that Putin doesn't want a conflict with NATO is because Russia will lose. And lose quickly."