MI6 Chief Accuses Putin of Deliberately Prolonging Ukraine War Peace Talks

Britain’s new foreign intelligence chief has issued a stark warning. Blaise Metreweli, head of MI6, accused Vladimir Putin of intentionally dragging out negotiations to end the Ukraine war. Her assessment complicates international efforts, including those by the U.S., to broker a swift peace deal.

Metreweli delivered her first major public speech this week. According to Bloomberg, she stated Putin is shifting the war’s costs onto the Russian population. Her remarks signal deep Western skepticism about the Kremlin’s true intentions.

Western Intelligence Sees Stalling Strategy

The new MI6 chief’s comments align with consistent Western assessments. Officials believe Russia seeks to subjugate Ukraine and test NATO resolve. Metreweli emphasized that support for Kyiv remains enduring and pressure on Moscow will be sustained.

This perspective suggests a strategic deadlock. Despite recent diplomatic pushes, the intelligence view is pessimistic. Putin appears to see a military advantage in continuing the conflict, possibly through the winter months.

Complicating Diplomatic Peace Efforts

The timing of this assessment is significant. It comes as American negotiators engage in renewed talks. A U.S. delegation recently met with Ukrainian and European officials to frame a potential settlement.

Russia has already called some Ukrainian proposals “unacceptable.” A Kremlin aide specifically ruled out ceding Crimea. This hardline stance, combined with the new MI6 warning, paints a grim picture for near-term diplomacy.

The new MI6 chief’s first major intervention directly challenges the narrative of imminent peace. Her assessment that Putin is deliberately prolonging the Ukraine war talks underscores the difficult road ahead for diplomats.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who is the new MI6 chief?

Blaise Metreweli became the head of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) in September. She is the first woman to permanently hold the position and gave her first major speech this week.

What did she say about Putin’s strategy?

Metreweli accused the Russian president of deliberately dragging out negotiations to end the war. She stated he is shifting the heavy cost of the conflict onto the Russian population instead of seeking a genuine settlement.

How does this affect U.S. peace efforts?

This assessment complicates recent American diplomatic pushes. It suggests Western intelligence believes Putin is not acting in good faith, which could undermine the framework of any proposed deal.

What was Russia’s recent response to peace terms?

A top Kremlin aide stated some Ukrainian proposals are “unacceptable.” He specifically said Russia would not cede control of Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, under any circumstances.