Britain’s former intelligence chief says Europe is in a ‘real war’ with Russia

Former MI6 chief Richard Dearlove told Sky News on 27 November that Europe was not currently in a “pre-war” situation but was in a “real war” against Russia.

“I think we have to face the fact that the Russians think they’re at war with us,” Dearlove said. in question.

Dearlove’s comments come days after Polish PM Donald Tusk Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine risks turning into crisis, warns “global conflict.”

According to Dearlove, the conflict has already spread beyond Ukraine’s borders.

“Donald Tusk described it as a pre-war situation,” Dearlove said. “I think he’s wrong. I think this is a real war.”

Dearlove said Russia is waging a war. hybrid warfare against Europe in many sectors, which included acts of sabotage and “some very aggressive moves”. He said the heads of intelligence services in Europe, the US and the UK described Russia as “going wild”.

Russian special services were linked to sabotage efforts across Europe. cyber attacks, espionageAnd election interference. Finland has filed complaints since joining NATO in 2023 Intensification of hybrid attacks From the Russian border.

As Russia’s aggression increases, the Western coalition may also take action. facing a divideAs the elected president of the United States Donald Trump’s The upcoming inauguration heralds a change in Washington’s support for Europe, NATO and Ukraine.

Dearlove said Western nations are now in “a very dangerous situation.”

While Dearlove said that it would be preferable for the West to start negotiations with the Kremlin, he warned the Russian President. Vladimir Putin He was unlikely to cooperate.

“I think we’re in a very difficult situation, and it’s probably better for Russia to have some kind of dialogue with them rather than no contact at all. So I’m not ruling it out,” he said.

“But I’m not sure Russia is in a mood or situation right now where it would be very easy to talk to Putin.”

Also read: Latest Ukrainian war: The Economist estimates 60,000-100,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in full-scale war

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