The head of the UK’s domestic security agency, MI5, has warned that the Russian intelligence service is on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on the streets of Europe. According to Ken McCallum, Russian agents have carried out arson, sabotage, and other dangerous actions in the UK amid the country’s support for Ukraine in the ongoing war between the two nations. The UK’s leading role in backing Ukraine has made it a target for Russian aggression, and McCallum expects to see continued acts of sabotage and attacks in the country.
McCallum pointed out that the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, is specifically responsible for carrying out these acts of mayhem, and that its activities are becoming increasingly reckless. He noted that the agency is using private intelligence operatives and criminals to do its dirty work on British soil, including in the UK and in third countries. This tactic is not unique to Russia, as Iranian state actors also make extensive use of criminals as proxies, including international drug traffickers and low-level crooks.
McCallum warned anyone in the UK considering taking money from Russia or Iran to carry out nefarious activities that it would be a regrettable choice. He emphasized that the full weight of the national security apparatus would be brought down on anyone caught working with these nations to harm the UK.
Ken McCallum (Image via Getty)
In addition to warning about Russian and Iranian activities, McCallum also spoke about the growing threat of terrorism in the region. He noted that the UK is facing terrorist threats alongside state-backed sabotage and assassination plots, all set against the backdrop of a major European land war.
Finally, McCallum highlighted the importance of cyber security, as the expulsion of hundreds of Russian diplomats from across Europe has forced the intelligence service to rely more heavily on cyber intelligence gathering. He warned that the West can expect further testing and possibly even defeating of its cyber defenses.
McCallum’s warning highlights the continued threat posed by Russian and Iranian intelligence services to national security in the UK and Europe. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how effective the UK’s security agencies will be in responding to these threats and keeping the public safe.
