MI6 Chief Warns Russia Threat Is Expanding Across Europe
MI6 Chief Warns Russia Threat Is Expanding Across Europe
New MI6 head Blaise Metreweli warns Europe faces a growing Russian threat, citing hybrid attacks and disinformation as Moscow expands its influence.
Blaise Metreweli, the newly appointed head of MI6, warned that Russia is expanding its influence across Europe, using hybrid attacks and disinformation to sow chaos. She pointed to drones over airports and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure as examples of Moscow's grey-zone tactics. 'It's important to understand their attempts to bully, fearmonger and manipulate, because it affects us all,' she said. 'The export of chaos is a feature not a bug in this Russian approach to international engagement.'
Western sanctions have harmed Russia's economy, pushing some exports eastwards, yet Putin's objective remains unchanged: to press for territory and loyalty to Moscow. Metreweli framed the defining challenge of the 21st century as not just who wields the most powerful technologies, but who uses them wisely. Power is becoming diffuse, and control over technology is shifting from states to corporations and individuals.
She urged MI6 to weave technology into every operation, to learn new tech, and to expand from the lab into the field. Having joined MI6 in 1999 via Q Branch, she is bringing the gadget-driven mindset into strategic intelligence. With the front line now global, she asked officers to master technology and stay ahead of evolving threats.
