U.S., U.K. Spy Chiefs Praise Ukraine's 'Audacious' Russia Incursion

The heads of the British and American foreign intelligence agencies said on September 7 that Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia is a significant achievement that could change the narrative of war, as they urged Kyiv's allies not to be held back by Russian threats of escalation. Richard Moore, the head of MI6, said Kyiv’s surprise August offensive to seize territory in the Kursk region was “typically audacious and bold on the part of the Ukrainians, to try and change the game.” He said the offensive had “brought the war home to ordinary Russians.” Speaking alongside Moore at a joint public event in London, CIA Director William Burns said the offensive was a “significant achievement” that had exposed vulnerabilities in the Russian military. Burns also said the West should be “mindful” of the escalation risk but not be “unnecessarily intimidated” by Russian saber-rattling.