UK, US intelligence chiefs warn of unprecedented threats to global order
The international world order is “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War,” warn the heads of the UK and US foreign intelligence services. The chiefs of MI6 and the CIA emphasized the united front of both countries in “resisting an assertive Russia and Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine.”
In a groundbreaking joint article published in the Financial Times, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns revealed that they foresaw the Ukraine conflict and took steps to alert the global community, partly by declassifying intelligence to aid Kyiv.
They further highlighted ongoing efforts to “disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage” across Europe orchestrated by Russia, as well as their work to de-escalate the Israel-Gaza conflict and combat the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS).
The op-ed emphasizes that the “international world order,” which has fostered relative peace, stability, and prosperity, is now facing threats unlike any since the Cold War. The two intelligence leaders stressed that “successfully combating this risk” lies at the heart of the special relationship between the UK and the US.
Among the “unprecedented array of threats” facing both nations is the protracted war in Ukraine, now in its third year since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Moore and Burns also made a rare joint public appearance at the FT Weekend Festival at London’s Kenwood House, where they spoke about the close collaboration between their agencies. The event’s details were kept secret until just minutes before their stage appearance.
Burns described Ukraine’s recent seizure of Russian territory in the Kursk region as a “significant tactical victory,” though he observed no signs that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power was weakening.
Amid calls from Ukraine for increased Western military support, the spy chiefs indicated that fear of Moscow’s reaction should not undermine the resolve to aid Ukraine.
“None of us should take lightly the risks of escalation,” Burns remarked, recalling a moment in late 2022 when the risk of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons seemed real. He disclosed that he had conveyed warnings to Russian officials about the consequences of such actions. Despite this, he insisted, “Putin’s a bully. He’s going to continue to saber-rattle from time to time.”
Moore also commented on the apparent desperation of Russian intelligence services, which have resorted to using criminals for covert operations like sabotage and arson across Europe. Burns added that while some plots might seem amateurish, they remain “reckless and dangerous.”
In their Financial Times piece, the intelligence chiefs emphasized the importance of “staying the course” in supporting Ukraine, stating that Putin “will not succeed.” The conflict, they noted, has highlighted the transformative role of technology in modern warfare and the necessity for constant adaptation and innovation.
Beyond Ukraine, both services are actively countering Russia’s disruptive activities across Europe and its use of technology to spread disinformation aimed at sowing discord. They identified the rise of China as the foremost intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the century, leading to a reorganization of their services to address this priority.
The intelligence leaders also highlighted their efforts to promote restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, working tirelessly to broker a ceasefire and a hostage deal. Burns hinted at the possibility of a more detailed proposal emerging soon, expressing hope for a political resolution.
Eleven months have passed since Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Since then, over 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Credit: BBC
