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Ukraine’s Kursk offensive is denting Russia’s war narrative and triggering questions among the Russian elite, according to leading spy chiefs. CIA director Bill Burns, speaking at the Financial Times’ weekend festival in London alongside MI6 chief Richard Moore, said Kursk was “a significant tactical achievement” that boosted Ukrainian morale and exposed Russia’s weaknesses. Moore added that it was “a typically audacious and bold move by the Ukrainians to try and change the game.”
This joint appearance marks the first time the heads of these two agencies have appeared together at a public event in their 77-year intelligence-sharing partnership. Burns and Moore aim to highlight the strength of the UK-US relationship, especially in the face of global risks like political volatility, Russia’s war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, the rise of China, and rapid technological change.
They emphasized that successfully addressing these risks is crucial for maintaining the special relationship between the UK and the US. Both chiefs identified China as the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century and expressed their efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and disrupt Russian intelligence’s campaign across Europe.
When asked about various geopolitical issues, Burns discussed the challenges around illegal migration across the Mexico border and the negotiations to release Israeli hostages in Gaza. He mentioned that the deal between Israel and Hamas was close but faced challenges in the final stages.
Burns, a career diplomat turned spy at 68, and Moore, a 61-year-old career intelligence officer, are both Oxford University graduates who have extensive experience in Russian, Middle Eastern, and Asian affairs. Their joint appearance was a significant event, similar to a news conference held by MI5 and FBI heads in London in July 2022.
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