Russian attacks show that we are at war, says former MI5 chief

The former head of the British domestic intelligence service MI5, Eliza Manningham-Buller, believes that the United Kingdom is already effectively at war with Russia—albeit in an unconventional form. This was reported by The Guardian.

According to her, since the invasion of Ukraine, the intensity of Russian cyberattacks, acts of sabotage, and intelligence operations against the UK has increased significantly. She agrees with the assessment of expert Fiona Hill that Moscow is in conflict with the West.

She cited specific examples, including the conviction of six Bulgarians for espionage and an arson attack on a warehouse storing supplies destined for Ukraine, which Moscow had ordered.

She met Vladimir Putin in person in 2005. However, she would not describe him as someone with a “friendly face.” She recalled the poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, who, according to investigations, was killed by two Russian agents, presumably on the orders of the Russian president.

Manningham-Buller also criticized the UK and US for cutting foreign aid to poorer countries. In her opinion, this opens the door to Chinese influence. “I think that soft power—whether it's the BBC World Service, humanitarian aid, or mine clearance—contributes significantly to our global influence and also has humanitarian significance,” she said.

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