The international world order is located “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War,” warn the heads of the powerful intelligence services of the United Kingdom and the United States.

The heads of MI6 and the CIA also said both countries stand side by side in “resisting an assertive Russia and Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine”.

In an article written jointly for the first time in the Financial Times, Sir Richard Moore and the William Burns stress that they saw the war in Ukraine coming “and were able to warn the international community,” in part by declassifying secret documents to help Kiev.

They said they were working to “disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage” across Europe by Russia, to push for a de-escalation in the Israel-Gaza war, and for counter-terrorism to prevent a resurgent Islamic State.

“There is no doubt that the international world order – the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability and provided rising living standards, opportunity and prosperity – is under threat in a way not seen since the Cold War. Successfully combating this risk” is the foundation of the special relationship between the UK and the US”, they emphasize.

One of the “unprecedented series of threats” facing both countries is the war in Ukraine, which is in its third year since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Richard Moore and William Burns stated that “standing firm (in support of Kiev) is more vital than ever,” declaring that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not succeed.”

The war showed how technology can change the course of warfare and highlighted the need for “adaptation, experimentation and innovation”, they said.

They continued: “Beyond Ukraine, we continue to work together to effectively counter the reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe by Russian intelligence and the cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to be divisive.” between us”.

The two men also made their first public appearance together at the FT Weekend Festival in London on Saturday.

Burns told the audience he had no evidence that Putin was not holding on to power “tightly”, with Sir Richard observing: “One can hold power tightly, but not hold it firmly… Never confuse the two.”

The fact that Russian intelligence services are using criminal evidence for sabotage operations in Europe is a sign that they are “a bit desperate”, said the head of MI6.

Both foreign intelligence agencies see China’s rise as the century’s major intelligence and geopolitical challenge. They have reorganized their services “to reflect this priority,” they state in their article.

Gaza Strip

They also said they have pushed “hard” for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East and are working “non-stop” to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal.

Mr Burns, whose role in the ceasefire efforts is seen as important, hinted at the FT event that a more detailed proposal could be tabled in the coming days.

“This is ultimately a matter of political will,” he clarified, adding that he has high hopes that leaders on both sides will make an agreement.

It has been 11 months since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then in Israel’s ongoing military campaign, according to Hamas’ health ministry.