UK intelligence chief accuses Russia of 'staggeringly reckless' sabotage campaign
UNB
Publish: 29 Nov 2024, 07:33 PM
PARIS, Nov 29 (AP/UNB) — The head of Britain’s MI6, Richard Moore,
has accused Russia of waging a “staggeringly reckless” sabotage campaign
against Ukraine’s Western allies, warning that such actions endanger
global security. Speaking in Paris on Friday, Moore highlighted his
agency’s collaboration with France to counter Moscow’s destabilizing
activities.
During a joint event with Nicolas Lerner, head of France's DGSE
intelligence agency, Moore revealed efforts to prevent escalation
stemming from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “bluster and
aggression.” He condemned Moscow’s tactics, including nuclear threats
and covert operations in Europe.
“We have uncovered a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian
sabotage in Europe,” Moore said, citing incidents involving
disinformation, sabotage, and arson. He pointed to recent events such as
incendiary devices in cargo planes, including one that ignited in
Germany and another in England. “Such activity and rhetoric are beyond
irresponsible,” he added.
Moore warned of the broader implications of a Russian victory in
Ukraine, stating, “If Putin succeeds in reducing Ukraine to a vassal
state, he won’t stop there. British, French, European, and
trans-Atlantic security will be at risk.” He also cautioned that
Moscow’s success could embolden allies like China, North Korea, and
Iran.
Lerner echoed these concerns, saying, “The collective security of
Europe is at stake.” He praised Britain’s experience in countering
Russian aggression, such as its response to the 2018 Salisbury Novichok
poisoning, as invaluable to French intelligence.
Both leaders emphasized the critical role of military support for
Ukraine. Britain and France have provided Kyiv with missiles used to
strike targets inside Russia, while the U.S. recently allowed similar
use of its weaponry. In retaliation, Russia has intensified attacks on
Ukraine's energy infrastructure and tested a new ballistic missile.
Moore also addressed doubts about U.S. support for Ukraine,
cautioning that the cost of inaction would outweigh the expense of
assistance. “If Putin is allowed to succeed, the repercussions will
extend far beyond Europe,” he said.
Despite concerns about potential U.S. policy shifts, Moore expressed confidence in the enduring U.S.-U.K. intelligence partnership, calling it vital for trans-Atlantic security.
END/UNB/AP/JA