‘I have never seen the world in a more dangerous state’ in almost 40 years, warns MI6 chief

The head of the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, has warned that the world is at its most dangerous point in 40 years. Sir Richard Moore said that in his 37 years in the profession he had never seen a situation like this. He said Europe risks being seriously impacted by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and amid tensions in West Asia.

“In 37 years in the intelligence profession, I have never seen the world in a more dangerous state. And the impact on Europe, our shared European home, could not be more serious,” said Sir Richard Moore.

He was speaking at an event with his French counterpart to mark 120 years since the Entente Cordiale, the Anglo-French diplomatic agreement, was first signed.

He accused Russia of trying to withdraw support from Ukraine and waging a “stunningly reckless campaign” of sabotage in Europe. He believes that if “Putin is allowed to succeed in reducing Ukraine to a vassal state, he will not stop there.”

“Our (British, French, European and transatlantic) security will be at risk,” Sir Richard said.

Sir Richard appeared to be sending a message to US President-elect Donald Trump, saying that a Putin victory in Ukraine would endanger both European and transatlantic security. In particular, Trump has repeatedly questioned all monetary financing and military aid that Washington is providing to kyiv to help it continue fighting Moscow.

Putin has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons and also recently used the intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time in war. “Putin and his acolytes are resorting to nuclear saber-rattling to sow fear about the consequences of helping Ukraine,” Sir Richard said.

In an apparent reference to Trump, who has openly expressed his disagreement over the money given to kyiv, he said: “The cost of supporting Ukraine is well known, but the cost of not doing so would be infinitely greater.”

Sir Richard added that if Moscow wins, it would strengthen countries such as North Korea and Iran.

“If Putin triumphs, China would weigh the implications, North Korea would become emboldened and Iran would become even more dangerous,” he added.

He said MI6 and its French counterpart, led by Nicolas Lerner, were working together in the face of Putin’s “mix of bravado and aggression” to avoid a dangerous escalation of tensions in Europe.

The West has blamed Russia for several planned attacks in Europe in recent months. This included an alleged plot to burn down Ukrainian-owned businesses in London, as well as placing incendiary devices in packages on cargo planes. Moscow has denied its involvement in all of them.