MI6 Threat: Chief Warns Russia’s Rising Global Aggression

Published: 12 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, will deliver a stark warning on Monday about the growing threat from Russia and other hostile states, insisting that “the frontline is everywhere.” In her first major speech as the agency’s chief, Metreweli is expected to outline a new “age of uncertainty” in which traditional rules of conflict are being rewritten, particularly in response to Kremlin aggression following the invasion of Ukraine.

“The export of chaos is a feature, not a bug, in the Russian approach to international engagement,” Metreweli will argue, adding that until Vladimir Putin alters his strategic calculations, such aggressive actions are likely to continue. Her remarks underscore the scale of threats facing the UK, ranging from assassination plots and sabotage to cyber-attacks and the manipulation of information on a global scale.

Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, the chief of the defence staff, is also expected to emphasise the severity of the threat in a separate speech. He will describe the current situation as “more dangerous than I have known during my career” and urge the nation to elevate defence as a priority. His lecture at the Royal United Services Institute thinktank will highlight the dangers Russia poses not only to the UK but to the broader NATO alliance, citing Moscow’s willingness to target neighbouring states, including civilians.

Metreweli’s speech comes amid urgent international diplomacy. Labour leader Keir Starmer is scheduled to fly to Berlin for a summit with European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside the US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The aim is to persuade Washington to endorse an alternative European peace plan for Ukraine amid fluctuating US positions on the conflict.

Russia remains the primary focus for Metreweli, who will describe its mindset as “aggressive, expansionist, and revisionist.” She is expected to reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that pressure on Russia will continue until a shift in Kremlin policy is achieved. Previous Russian attacks on UK soil, including the 2018 Skripal poisoning, underline the enduring threat. Dawn Sturgess tragically died after accidentally encountering a nerve agent, and a public inquiry recently concluded that Vladimir Putin was “morally responsible” for the incident.

The new MI6 chief will also highlight Russia’s use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation online, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine or disseminating false claims about public figures. These campaigns, along with cyber-espionage incidents, such as the Bulgarian spy network jailed for hostile surveillance, exemplify the persistent threats faced by the UK.

While the pre-released excerpts focus heavily on Russia, there are brief references to China, particularly concerning the sanctioning of two companies allegedly engaged in indiscriminate hacking. The UK government continues to deliberate on whether to allow China to establish a new super-embassy at Royal Mint Court in London, while the prime minister plans a visit to Beijing in January ahead of US engagement in April.

Knighton is expected to argue that long-term success for the armed forces depends on reconnecting with society, making defence a higher national priority, and encouraging more public engagement. He stresses that NATO’s strength relies on unified support against aggressive powers and the ability to deter threats to peace and stability.

Metreweli, who succeeded Richard Moore in October, previously led MI6’s technology and innovation department. She has extensive experience in the Middle East and Europe, and her appointment marks a historic first as MI6’s first female chief. Her leadership will focus on integrating advanced technology with traditional human intelligence, ensuring that officers are proficient not only in languages and tradecraft but also in programming and cyber expertise.

“Mastery of technology must infuse everything we do,” she will say. “Not just in our labs, but in the field, and even more importantly, in the mindset of every officer. We must be as comfortable with lines of code as we are with human sources.” Allies interpret these remarks as a broader call for societal engagement with technological development rather than a direct critique of US policy.

Metreweli is expected to conclude her speech with a reflection on the moral and human dimensions of security. She will stress that the defining challenge of the 21st century is not merely possessing powerful technologies, but guiding them wisely. “Our security, our prosperity, and our humanity depend on it,” she will state, highlighting the ethical responsibility inherent in modern intelligence work.

In a wider call to action, the MI6 chief will underline the importance of collective responsibility, urging society to rediscover shared humanity, listen more attentively, and act courageously. These qualities, she asserts, will shape the UK’s capacity to respond to threats and safeguard democratic values.

The warnings from both Metreweli and Knighton reflect an urgent and evolving security environment, in which conventional and unconventional threats converge. With the rise of cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and targeted attacks, the UK faces complex challenges that demand innovation, vigilance, and societal resilience. By blending technological mastery with traditional intelligence methods, Metreweli aims to fortify the UK’s position in a world where the rules of conflict are constantly changing, and where every citizen, in some measure, shares responsibility for national security.