UK Intelligence: Russia Conducting ‘Reckless’ Sabotage Campaign in Europe

The head of Britain’s MI6 foreign intelligence service accused Russia on Friday of running a “highly reckless” sabotage campaign in Europe, coupled with escalating nuclear threats to deter countries from supporting Ukraine.

MI6 Chief Richard Moore warned that any wavering in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion, ongoing since 2022, would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies, Reuters reported.

Speaking in Paris, Moore emphasized the need for Europe and its transatlantic partners to stand firm against increasing aggression. His remarks appeared directed at both the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump and some European allies skeptical of ongoing support for Ukraine.

Escalating Pressure on the West

“We have recently uncovered an extremely reckless Russian sabotage campaign in Europe,” Moore said, “even as Putin and his associates leverage nuclear threats to intimidate nations aiding Ukraine.”

“The cost of supporting Ukraine is well-known, but the cost of not supporting it will be far greater,” he continued. “If Putin succeeds, China will draw its own conclusions, North Korea will become bolder, and Iran will grow more dangerous.”

Moore’s remarks follow recent warnings by NATO and other Western intelligence chiefs about Russia’s hostile actions, ranging from cyberattacks to deliberate acts of arson. Moscow denies responsibility for such incidents.

Last month, MI5, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency, accused Russia’s military intelligence service of seeking to “sow chaos.” U.S. intelligence sources told Reuters that Russia is likely intensifying its targeting of European assets to pressure the West over its support for Kyiv.