The head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, will warn that Russia poses an “aggressive, expansionist and revisionist” threat in her first public speech since taking office, according to advance extracts released on Monday.
Blaise Metreweli, who became MI6 chief in October and is the first woman to lead the agency in its 116-year history, will say that Russia’s actions are reshaping modern conflict and creating increasingly unpredictable and interconnected security risks.
She is expected to argue that the spread of instability is a deliberate feature of Moscow’s foreign policy and will continue unless Russia is forced to change course.
Metreweli, known by the codename “C” and the only MI6 officer whose identity is public, will also highlight the growing importance of technology in intelligence work. A former director of technology and innovation at the agency, she will say intelligence officers must combine traditional human sources with advanced digital skills.
Her remarks come as Britain maintains sweeping sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine and as European, U.S., and Ukrainian officials continue talks on security and a possible ceasefire.
Separately, Britain’s military leadership has warned that the risk of a wider conflict, including a potential Russian threat to NATO, is increasing.
