UK-US Intelligence Chiefs: World Order Threatened Like Never Before

(ANSA) – ROME, 07 SEPTEMBER – The international world order is “under threat in a way not seen since the Cold War”. This is the warning issued by the heads of the British and US secret services in a rare public meeting. In a joint article in the Financial Times, the first of its kind, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns, who today appeared together for the first time in London at a security summit, said they had foreseen the coming war in Ukraine “and were able to warn the international community”, in part by declassifying secrets to help Kiev. The two also said they were working to “stop Russia’s reckless campaign of sabotage” in Europe, to push for a de-escalation in the war between Israel and Hamas and to counter the resurgence of the Islamic State. “There is no doubt that the international world order – the balanced system that has brought relative peace and stability and raised living standards, opportunity and prosperity – is under threat on a scale not seen since the Cold War. Successfully combating this risk” is at the heart of the UK-US special relationship, they added. One of the “unprecedented threats” both countries face is the war in Ukraine, now in its third year after Russia invaded in February 2022. Sir Richard and Burns said “staying the course is more vital than ever” when it comes to supporting Ukraine, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not succeed”. They also said they had pushed “hard” for moderation and de-escalation in the Middle East and were working “relentlessly” to secure a ceasefire and a hostage deal. (ANSA).