CIA and MI6 Leaders Commend Ukraine's Kursk Invasion for Impacting 'Ordinary Russians'

Joint Public Event in London

On Saturday, at a rare joint public event in London, William Burns, the Director of the CIA, and Richard Moore, the Chief of the UK’s MI6 foreign intelligence agency, commended Ukraine's invasion of Russia's Kursk Oblast. Moore characterized the Kursk invasion as "typically audacious and bold on the part of the Ukrainians, to try and change the game," and noted that it had "brought the war home to ordinary Russians."

Significant Tactical Achievement

Burns described the operation in Kursk as a "significant tactical achievement" that lifted morale in Ukraine. Despite the ongoing conflict in Kursk, Russian forces have been making faster progress in Ukraine’s Donbas region since the start of the invasion. The US and its allies deny involvement in planning the Kursk invasion, but a Ukrainian soldier reported that Western intelligence was crucial for the attack.

Use of US and British Weapons

Ukrainian forces have been utilizing US and British weapons in the assault, marking a significant escalation of the proxy war. At the event, hosted by the Financial Times, Burns dismissed worries about potential Russian escalations in response to Western support for Ukraine. He also acknowledged that despite the Kursk operation being an 'achievement,' it has done little to weaken President Putin's power.

Putin's Grip on Power

Burns characterized the Kursk offensive as a "significant tactical achievement" that has boosted Ukrainian morale and revealed some of Putin’s Russia and his military's vulnerabilities. However, Burns does not see Putin’s grip on power weakening, stating, "He does one thing really well, and that’s repress people at home."

First Public Appearance Together

This event marked the first time the heads of the CIA and MI6 had appeared in public together. Both intelligence agencies have been deeply involved with Ukraine’s intelligence agencies following the 2014 coup in Kyiv that ousted former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Bottom Line

The public commendation of Ukraine's Kursk invasion by the heads of the CIA and MI6 is a significant development. It not only reflects the geopolitical dynamics at play but also underscores the role of intelligence agencies in shaping these dynamics. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6 pm.