- MI6 Chief urges Russians to spy for the UK
- Many Russians already taking action since Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Invitation to disgruntled Russian intelligence, security, and military officers to join MI6
The head of the Secret Intelligence Service tells potential spies that “our door is always open” and that “your secrets are always safe with us.”
The chief of MI6 has urged Russians appalled by the atrocities of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine to “join hands with us” and spy for the United Kingdom to help end the violence.
Sir Richard Moore stated in a rare public presentation that “many” had done this since the 18-month Russian invasion.
The spymaster used the 1968 Soviet crimes in Prague to urge Russians to follow their convictions.
Sir Richard stated at the British embassy, “Many Russians today are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces destroying Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes, and kidnapping thousands of children.”
“They observe in horror as their soldiers ravage a neighboring nation. They know in their minds that Putin’s justification for attacking a fellow Slavic country is bogus.”
The spy chief emphasized remarks made by Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who exposed the phony pretext for Russia’s war during his failed uprising, alleging it was to secure a medal for defense minister Sergei Shoigu.
“The oligarch clan that rules Russia needed a war,” Sir Richard quoted the Wagner boss as saying.
The director of MI6 stated that the uprising “exposed the inexorable decline of Putin’s unstable autocracy.”
In an apparent direct appeal to Russians, he appeared to make a recruitment offer.
It would presumably be disgruntled Russian intelligence, security, and military officers.
“As they witness the venality, infighting, and callous incompetence of their leaders – the human factor at its worst – many more Russians are wrestling with the same dilemmas and tugs of conscience as their predecessors did in 1968,” Sir Richard said.
“I invite them to do what others have done in the past 18 months and join us,” he continued.
“Our door is always open. We will manage their requests for assistance with the discretion and competence for which our service is renowned.
“Their secrets will always be secure with us, and we will work together to end the bloodshed. My services are founded on the principle that our loyalty to our agents is eternal, as is our gratitude.
