The international world order is facing an unprecedented threat, comparable to the dangers of the Cold War, according to the chiefs of MI6 (UK) and the CIA (US). In a historic joint article published in the Financial Times, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns emphasized the critical partnership between the UK and the US in resisting global threats such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the rise of China, and other destabilizing forces.
In the article, they highlighted how their intelligence services warned the global community of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by declassifying sensitive information to help Kyiv prepare. They emphasized that supporting Ukraine is crucial, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not succeed.”
Ongoing Challenges
- Ukraine Conflict: The chiefs noted that the war in Ukraine, now in its third year, represents a major threat to global stability. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and disrupting Russia’s broader campaign of sabotage across Europe.
- China: Both leaders cited China’s geopolitical ambitions as the most significant challenge of this century, driving their agencies to reorganize in response to this rising threat.
- Middle East Tensions: Beyond Europe and China, the intelligence leaders stressed their efforts in pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East, particularly in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Their work includes striving for a ceasefire and a hostage deal after the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.
Key Statements:
- The global order, which has maintained relative peace and prosperity, is under threat like never before.
- Cooperation between the UK and US is vital to confront these global risks, particularly in Ukraine.
- The rise of China and the reckless activities of Russian intelligence remain top priorities for both intelligence services.
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