The heads of British and US foreign intelligence services have warned that the international world order “is under threat not seen since the Cold War”.
The heads of MI6 and the CIA also stated that the two countries will work together to “resist the aggressive war of aggression against Ukraine by powerful Russia and Putin.”
In the first joint article, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns Writing in the Financial Times They saw war in Ukraine coming “and were able to warn the international community,” in part by declassifying secrets to help Kiev.
They said work was underway to “disrupt Russia’s unbridled sabotage across Europe,” promote a de-escalation in the Israel-Gaza war and carry out counterterrorism efforts to thwart the resurgence of the Islamic State.
They wrote in a column in the Financial Times: “There is no doubt that the international world order – a balanced system that brings relative peace and stability and delivers rising living standards, opportunity and prosperity – is being undermined by a crisis we have never seen before. Threats experienced.
They added that “successfully managing this risk” is fundamental to the special relationship between the UK and the US.
One of the “unprecedented array of threats” facing both countries is the war in Ukraine, which has entered its third year since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Sir Richard and Mr Burns said it was “more important than ever to stay the course” in supporting Ukraine, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not succeed”.
They said the conflict showed how technology could change the course of warfare and highlighted the need for “adaptation, experimentation and innovation”.
They continued: “Beyond Ukraine, we will continue to work together to thwart Russian intelligence services’ reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe and their cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive a wedge between us. “
The pair also gave their first public speech together at the Financial Times Weekend Festival at London’s Kenwood House on Saturday.
Burns told attendees he had seen no evidence that Putin’s grip on power was weakening, while Sir Richard added: “Never confuse clinging to power with stabilizing it.”
The fact that Russian intelligence services are using criminals to carry out sabotage in Europe shows they are “a bit desperate”, the head of MI6 has said.
Both foreign intelligence agencies view China’s rise as the major intelligence and geopolitical challenge of this century. They have restructured their services “to reflect this priority”, the pair said said in their column.
They also said they had been “working hard” to promote restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East and had been working “tirelessly” to reach a ceasefire and hostage agreement.
Mr Burns, who has been a central figure in ceasefire efforts, told the Financial Times event that more detailed proposals were likely to be made in the coming days.
“Ultimately this is a question of political will,” he said, adding that he “deeply” hoped leaders from both sides could reach an agreement.
It has been 11 months since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and holding another 251 hostage.
Since then, ongoing Israeli military operations have killed more than 40,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
