The British public is being urged to prepare 72-hour survival kits in light of escalating tensions with Russia. This call comes following a significant missile strike on Ukraine and alarming warnings from Moscow regarding the risk of nuclear escalation in Europe. Russian officials have stated that Europe could be “finished physically” if Western support for Ukraine continues, prompting a shift in public mindset from complacency to practical readiness.
The situation intensified after a large-scale drone and missile assault on Ukraine on January 9, 2026. During this strike, Russia deployed the Oreshnik, a nuclear-capable hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, targeting areas near Lviv, just 80 kilometers from the Polish border. This action was not merely tactical but marked a significant strategic statement across Europe. In a blunt interview, Sergey Karaganov, an influential adviser to Vladimir Putin, warned that Europe would face severe consequences should it continue its current course, indicating that a defeat for Russia could trigger a nuclear response.
Historically, the UK has maintained a reserved approach to civil defense. However, neighboring countries in the Nordic region have ramped up their preparedness. Sweden has set a benchmark by distributing five million copies of its updated survival guide, If Crisis or War Comes. This comprehensive booklet provides guidance on locating air-raid shelters and managing the psychological demands of prolonged conflict. Finland and Norway have adopted similar initiatives, with Helsinki launching a dedicated national preparedness portal to assist citizens in facing potential “hybrid threats” and infrastructure failures.
These nations view “civilian readiness” not as a source of panic but as a civic responsibility. Professor Anthony Glees, a security expert at the University of Buckingham, argues that the UK must close this “preparedness gap.” He emphasizes that the goal is not to suggest an imminent strike is likely but rather to prepare the British public for potential disruptions to supply chains or energy blackouts that can accompany modern conflicts.
The concept of a “72-hour survival kit” is gaining momentum as a practical response to an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Earlier in 2025, the European Commission formalized recommendations for households within the bloc to ensure they are self-sufficient for at least three days. This timeframe is critical, allowing emergency services the necessary period to stabilize situations and mobilize large-scale aid.
Creating a survival kit is less about “doomsday prepping” and more about pragmatic insurance. Experts recommend assembling a curated selection of essentials that families can access quickly or utilize during extended power outages.
As the implications of the Oreshnik missile reverberate through European capitals, the focus is shifting from state-level deterrence to personal resilience. Whether the threats are genuine or strategic bluffs, the act of preparing a survival kit provides individuals with a sense of agency in an uncertain world. Taking practical steps towards readiness offers a reassuring counterbalance to the anxiety provoked by international tensions.
