In a rare public appearance, the heads of the CIA and MI6, Bill Burns and Richard Moore, discussed critical global issues at the Financial Times Weekend Festival in London on Saturday. The joint appearance marks the first time leaders of these two agencies have spoken together publicly, underscoring the importance of their countries’ intelligence cooperation amid mounting international threats.
Burns and Moore focused heavily on the conflict in Ukraine, praising Ukraine’s surprise August offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. The offensive, which captured significant territory, was described as a “significant tactical achievement” by Burns, while Moore called it “typically audacious.” Both intelligence chiefs emphasized that the incursion has disrupted the Russian war narrative, raising questions among Russia’s elite about the direction of the war. Burns noted that the operation had exposed Russia’s weaknesses and boosted Ukrainian morale.
In addition to discussing the war in Ukraine, Burns addressed ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas amid the conflict in Gaza. While progress has been made, Burns cautioned that the success of any deal would ultimately depend on the political will of both sides. He highlighted that 90% of the proposal’s terms have been agreed upon but that the final 10% remains the most difficult to resolve.
The intelligence leaders also warned of broader threats to global stability, including the growing alliance between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Burns and Moore expressed concern over the defense cooperation between these nations, particularly the supply of weapons and drones to Russia from Iran and North Korea for use in Ukraine. However, Burns noted that the CIA has yet to see evidence of China directly providing weapons to Russia, while remaining alert to its potential role.
In their appearance and an op-ed, the two chiefs stressed the importance of the U.S.-UK intelligence partnership in addressing these multifaceted global challenges. They highlighted the shared responsibility to maintain the international order, which they believe is under threat in ways unseen since the Cold War.
Expanded Coverage:
