In a speech delivered in Paris, Richard Moore, the head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), issued a grave warning about a significant escalation of Russian aggression in Europe. His message, seemingly directed at both the incoming US administration and European allies who have expressed reservations about continued support for Ukraine, underscored the critical need for unwavering Western solidarity in the face of growing threats.
Moore revealed the discovery of a “staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage” across Europe. This campaign, he stated, is occurring concurrently with Putin’s increasingly aggressive nuclear saber-rattling, designed to intimidate nations supporting Ukraine. He explicitly linked the cost of supporting Ukraine to the far greater cost of inaction, painting a stark picture of a world where a successful Russian invasion would embolden adversaries like China, North Korea, and Iran, destabilizing global security and leading to a significantly more dangerous international landscape. The potential implications of a Russian victory, according to Moore, extend far beyond Ukraine, jeopardizing the security of Britain, France, Europe, and transatlantic partners alike.
This alarming assessment builds upon previous warnings. Last September, Moore described Russia’s intelligence services as having gone “a bit feral.” This statement, echoed by other Western spy chiefs, highlighted a pattern of hostile Russian actions ranging from persistent cyberattacks to incidents of arson linked to Moscow. While Moscow has consistently denied any responsibility for such incidents, sources familiar with US intelligence suggest that Russia is likely to intensify its campaign against European targets to pressure the West into curtailing its support for Kyiv. The UK’s domestic spy chief also recently revealed that Russia’s GRU military intelligence service is actively working to create “mayhem.”
Moore’s emphasis on Western unity is crucial, especially given concerns expressed by some in the US, including President-elect Trump, about the extent of American involvement in the conflict. Trump’s stated aim of swiftly ending the war in Ukraine, without elaborating on his strategy, coupled with other Republicans’ reservations regarding military support for Kyiv, underscore the need for a united front. Moore’s speech stressed that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine; a Russian victory would only embolden him to further aggression, directly threatening Western security interests.
Beyond the Ukraine conflict, Moore provided a broader assessment of the global security environment, deeming it the most perilous in his 37 years of experience. He cited the resurgence of Islamic State, the continued threat of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the ongoing ramifications of the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel as contributing factors to this heightened risk. This view was echoed by Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s foreign spy agency, DGSE, who emphasized the close cooperation between French and UK intelligence in addressing what he called “one of the threats—if not the threat—the possible atomic proliferation in Iran.” Iran, of course, consistently denies seeking nuclear weapons.
In conclusion, Moore’s warning serves as a forceful call to action, urging continued and resolute Western support for Ukraine and highlighting the far-reaching consequences of a Russian victory in the context of a vastly more volatile and dangerous global security landscape.
