MI6 Chief Sheds Light on Wagner Chief Prigozhin, Ukraine, and More
Moore Gives Rare Insights
Overt Operator
July 20, 2023
Richard Moore, chief of the UK’s overseas spy agency MI6, asserts that the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) will not render human involvement obsolete in preventing terrorist attacks. His statement comes amid debates among Western nations grappling with the impacts of this swiftly advancing technology on security and intelligence sectors
In an upcoming speech scheduled in Prague, Moore will underscore the irreplaceable role of human agents. "Some have asked whether it will put intelligence services like mine out of business? In fact, the opposite is likely to be true," he will argue, emphasizing that agents "can identify new questions we didn’t know to ask, and sometimes they can influence decisions inside a government or terrorist group."
His remarks follow an updated government strategy paper calling for agencies to "ruthlessly prioritize finite resources" to address terrorism. This directive is in response to the persistent threat from Islamist extremists, technological advancements, and increasingly covert domestic plotters, which, according to a UK Home Office report, have collectively increased the risk of further attacks.
Aside from AI, Moore delved into broader geopolitical issues, including Ukraine and Russia's continued failure to achieve military objectives. He will analyze Russia's burgeoning imperialism in Africa and how nations like Iran are exacerbating conflicts in Ukraine.
Moore's insights come on the heels of the first briefing on AI at the United Nations Security Council, chaired by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and in anticipation of the UK hosting the first international AI safety summit later this year.
Adding a revealing chapter to recent history, Moore confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the private military group Wagner, and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, brokered a deal to quell the failed rebellion against Moscow on June 24. The deal was described as an "embarrassment" and a move to "save his skin" on Putin's part.
Western intelligence agencies have largely remained silent on Russia's failed rebellion to avoid fueling Russia's narrative of Western-orchestrated dissent. However, Moore's public commentary underscores the perceived weakness exhibited by Putin during the upheaval.
The MI6 chief also provided rare insight into Prigozhin's current situation, whose characteristically provocative audio messages on Telegram have ceased recently. Responding to CNN, Moore stated that Prigozhin is "floating around," according to his agency's understanding.
Despite the speculation surrounding Wagner's fate, Moore asserts they "do not appear to be engaged in Ukraine" but acknowledges elements of them may be present in Belarus.
In his speech, set in Prague - the last European capital to witness Russian tanks before Ukraine, Moore issued an open appeal to Russians opposed to their country's military actions to ally with the UK. This unusually public request underscores the transformed geopolitical landscape in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
While Moore acknowledged China's complicity due to its continued support for the Kremlin, he also revealed Iran's profiteering ambition, highlighting its willingness to sell drones and other equipment.