New MI6 Chief Accuses Putin of Prolonging Ukraine War Talks
The new head of Britain’s MI6, Blaise Metreweli, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging Ukraine peace talks while warning that UK support for Kyiv will remain steadfast.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Bloomberg.
Blaise Metreweli, who became MI6 chief in September, stated that Putin is “dragging out negotiations and shifting the cost of war onto his own population,” signaling that Russia has no immediate intention to halt hostilities in Ukraine.
“We all continue to face the menace of an aggressive, expansionist and revisionist Russia, seeking to subjugate Ukraine and NATO members,” she said
Her comments underline concerns among Western security officials that Moscow sees strategic advantage in continuing military operations, even through the winter.
Meanwhile, Metreweli emphasized that Britain’s support for Ukraine will be sustained, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to counter Russian aggression.
“Putin should be in no doubt, our support is enduring. The pressure we apply on Ukraine’s behalf will be sustained,” she added
The new head of MI6 also highlighted the broader threat posed by Russia and other adversaries, noting that Europe currently operates “in a space between peace and war.”
On Monday, the head of Britain’s armed forces, Richard Knighton, warned that Russia poses a growing military threat, particularly to NATO allies in Eastern Europe, and called for a “whole of nation response.”
He highlighted Russia’s large, combat-experienced, and increasingly sophisticated military, noting its improved tactics and drone use in Ukraine. While stopping short of suggesting conscription, Knighton stressed the need for more personnel ready to defend the UK, including expanding the armed forces.
This assessment comes as the Trump administration renews efforts to broker a peace deal, with a US delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner engaging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European security advisers.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Western officials remain skeptical that Russia will compromise quickly, pointing to a continued need for vigilance and coordinated international support.
As The Gaze reported earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia could become the next threat to the Alliance, calling for urgent strengthening of defense capabilities and support for Ukraine.
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