In a striking address in Paris on 29 November 2024, Richard Moore, the head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), issued a serious warning about Russia’s ongoing campaign of sabotage across Europe. He underlined the urgent need for Western unity in support of Ukraine, stressing the severe repercussions if Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeds in dominating the region.
Campaign of Sabotage
Moore described Russia’s actions as “staggeringly reckless,” adding that the Kremlin is not only engaged in sabotage but is also ramping up nuclear threats aimed at deterring Western support for Ukraine. He stated, “We have recently uncovered a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe…” highlighting the dangers posed by both Russian rhetoric and actions.
Global Security Implications
According to Moore, if Putin manages to reduce Ukraine to a vassal state, it could lead to far-reaching consequences. He warned, “If Putin succeeds, China would weigh the implications, North Korea would be emboldened, and Iran would become still more dangerous.” This domino effect emphasizes the importance of continued international support for Ukraine.
Russia’s Support Network
- Moore pointed out that Russia relies on military assistance from China, Iran, and North Korea.
- He underscored the catastrophic nature of the conflict, stating, “Putin is jeopardising Russia’s future, pouring vast sums into his military machine and squandering tens of thousands of lives—Russian and now North Korean—in his catastrophic conflict.”
Concerns Over Iran
The MI6 chief also highlighted concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, describing it as a major global security threat. Despite setbacks to Iran-affiliated militias in the Middle East, he noted that the regime’s nuclear programme continues to pose risks to global safety. Moore’s caution goes hand in hand with comments from his French counterpart, Nicolas Lerner, who labelled potential nuclear proliferation in Iran as one of the most critical threats in the coming months.
As security intelligence chiefs from the UK and France work closely to respond to these evolving threats, cooperation remains pivotal in navigating the complexities posed by Russia and other nations.