“There is no doubt that the global order – a balanced system that has produced relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunity and prosperity – is under threat in ways not seen since the Cold War,” the directors of the US CIA and the UK's MI6 said. William Burns and Richard Moore have published the first-ever joint article warning of the current dangers.
MI6 Director Richard Moore and Director CIA Bill Burns, in the first-ever joint article by British and American intelligence chiefs, wrote that “today we are working together in a contested international system in which our two countries face an unprecedented array of threats.” “There is no doubt that the global order — a balanced system that has produced relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunity and prosperity — is under threat in ways not seen since the Cold War,” they said.
“Putin will wave his saber”
They stressed that one of the main threats is the war that has been going on since February 2022, started by Russiawhich hit the Ukraine. William Burns said that by late 2022 there was a “real risk” that Russia would decide to use tactical nuclear weapons in response to battlefield failures and a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions. The CIA chief added that United States warned the Russian side of “the consequences of such an act.”
– But I have never believed, and this is the CIA's position, that this fact should intimidate us. Putin is a tyrant who will wave his saber from time to time – added the head of American intelligence, quoted by the BBC.
He added that the ongoing action of the Ukrainian army in Kursk Oblast was a “significant tactical victory.” However, this – as he pointed out – did not weaken the power of the Russian dictator.
Risk of escalation and Russian sabotage
The CIA chief stressed that the Ukrainians are not only appealing for an increase in the supply of foreign weapons, but also want to receive permission to use them to hit targets deep in Russia. Kiev has so far encountered resistance in this area from its allies. According to the heads of the CIA and MI6, “concerns about Moscow's reaction should not discourage support for Ukraine.”
– However, it must be clearly emphasised that no one should underestimate the risk of escalation – Burns emphasised.
The British intelligence chief said the two intelligence agencies were observing a “mindless campaign of sabotage in Europe by Russian intelligence,” adding that the Kremlin was “cynically exploiting modern technology to spread lies and disinformation” in order to create divisions in Western societies.
– The increased activity of Russian intelligence services to carry out covert operations, such as sabotage or arson, indicates a certain degree of desperation – emphasized Richard Moore.
They did not cite any specific examples, but in recent months there have been a series of mysterious acts of sabotage and arson of infrastructure in various European countries, and U.S. intelligence is also reported to have foiled an alleged Russian plot to assassinate the CEO of a leading German arms manufacturer.
Looking for de-escalation
The heads of both intelligence agencies also addressed the situation in the Middle East. Richard Moore and William Burns emphasized that American and British intelligence are “pressing hard” to achieve “restraint and de-escalation.” They added that work is ongoing to facilitate a ceasefire and reach an agreement on the hostages held.
– A more detailed proposal in this regard may be presented in the coming days. Ultimately, however, it is a question of political will – the CIA chief noted.
The directors also pointed out China as “the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century”, and also drew attention to the resurgent threat from the so-called Islamic State (IS).
Fighting in Kursk Oblast PAP
Financial Times, BBC, PAP
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