Russian counter-intelligence chief Alexander Bortnikov, under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, expressed concerns about the perceived threats posed by British intelligence operations. Bortnikov alleged that British influence was widespread, with London allegedly orchestrating actions against Russia through various means.
According to Bortnikov, British special services, particularly MI6, were allegedly behind acts of terrorism and sabotage within Russian borders. He claimed that Ukrainian groups, under British supervision, were planning attacks on critical infrastructure using drones, boats, and combat divers. Additionally, Bortnikov accused over 120 Ukrainian call centers of recruiting individuals for terrorist activities in Russia.
Bortnikov also blamed Britain for the lack of a peace agreement in Ukraine, portraying the British government as a significant threat to the Kremlin. Despite ongoing tensions, Bortnikov highlighted British involvement in alleged propaganda campaigns and provocations aimed at disrupting settlements in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Bortnikov linked British intelligence to the Ukrainian Spiderweb operation, which resulted in drone strikes on Russian strategic bomber aircraft. He emphasized a perceived siege mentality in Moscow, attributing the instability in various regions to the intelligence services of leading NATO countries, including Britain.
Bortnikov, a veteran intelligence officer, accused Britain of fueling hysteria over an Eastward threat and suggested that NATO countries were instrumental in creating global instability. As head of the FSB since 2008, Bortnikov, a Cold War-era figure, continues to serve under Putin’s administration, refusing retirement despite his long tenure in intelligence services.
