Britain and its allies remain resolute in their support for Ukraine, undeterred by Russian cyber threats, according to British cabinet office minister Pat McFadden on Monday. He emphasized the necessity for NATO to enhance collaboration to maintain an advantage in what he termed “the new AI arms race.”

In light of recent escalations in cyber attacks from Moscow targeting nations that support Ukraine, McFadden urged the U.S.-led military alliance, along with businesses and institutions, to take comprehensive measures to secure their digital infrastructures against an increasingly assertive Russia.

Speaking at a NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London, McFadden called for a renewed commitment to assist Kyiv in its struggle against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he accused of attempting to dissuade support for Ukraine through intimidation.

“We will not align with those advocating for weakness who wish to grant Putin a say in our assistance to Ukraine,” McFadden stated, though he did not provide specific details.

“While the Russian cyber threat to NATO is both aggressive and reckless, we refuse to be intimidated by it, and we will not allow it to influence our decisions or policies. We are committed to defending our nations against such threats.”

Moscow has not yet responded to McFadden’s comments, having previously denied involvement in cyberattacks and characterized such allegations as efforts to foster anti-Russian sentiment.

McFadden highlighted the need for NATO to bolster its collective cybersecurity and announced Britain’s initiative to establish a new Laboratory for AI Security Research. This facility aims to develop improved defense mechanisms and enhance intelligence capabilities.

With an initial government investment of £8.22 million ($10.3 million), the laboratory will unite academic and governmental experts to evaluate the implications of AI on national security and to better comprehend its application by Russia. “Seventy-five years after its inception, it is evident that NATO is more essential than ever,” he remarked.

McFadden, in his capacity as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with oversight of national security, stated that he, along with senior officials in national security, will be meeting with British businesses in the coming days to explore ways to enhance their security measures.

He also noted that artificial intelligence could be utilized as a weapon against nations that support Ukraine, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, which has intensified what he referred to as the ongoing reality of cyber warfare targeting Britain and its allies.