Vladimir Putin is cynically "stringing Ukraine along" with disingenuous peace negotiations to buy his beleaguered forces critical time on the battlefield, the Chief of the UK's Secret Intelligence Service has declared.
MI6 Chief's Stark Warning on Russian Deception
In a rare and significant public address, MI6 head Richard Moore issued a stark warning that the Russian President is engaging in a "phony" peace process. This tactic, he asserts, is a deliberate ploy to provide the struggling Russian military with a much-needed operational pause.
Speaking at the British Embassy in Prague, Mr. Moore stated that Putin's true intention is not to seek a genuine diplomatic solution but to create a breathing space for his forces to regroup, rearm, and ultimately launch a renewed and more powerful offensive against a weary Ukraine.
A Protracted and Bloody Conflict Ahead
The intelligence chief painted a sobering picture of the future, predicting that the war is likely to become a protracted and brutal conflict of attrition. He suggested that the coming months would be exceptionally difficult for Ukrainian forces as they continue to defend their sovereignty against a ruthless adversary.
Mr. Moore's assessment directly challenges the narrative that Russia is genuinely interested in a negotiated settlement. His comments underscore a deep-seated belief within Western intelligence that Putin remains committed to his original, maximalist goals, despite suffering significant military setbacks and colossal personnel losses.
The Human Cost of Russian Aggression
Highlighting the devastating human cost of the invasion, the MI6 chief revealed a shocking statistic: an estimated 315,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This figure represents a staggering loss of life and a clear indictment of the Kremlin's military strategy.
Furthermore, Mr. Moore noted that the war has decimated Russia's modern military capabilities, setting its armed forces back by nearly two decades. Despite this, the Russian President shows no sign of abandoning his destructive campaign.
The West's Unwavering Resolve
In his address, the MI6 chief reinforced the United Kingdom's and its allies' unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine for the long haul. He emphasised that providing President Zelensky's forces with the necessary tools and intelligence is paramount to their success on the battlefield.
This powerful intervention from one of the West's most senior intelligence figures serves as a crucial reality check, dismissing any notion of a quick diplomatic end to the war and preparing the international community for a continued, intense struggle for Ukraine's future.
