MI6 chief Richard Moore sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in the Russia-Ukraine war during a speech at the UK General Consulate in Istanbul on September 19, 2025, before stepping down from his role.
According to a report by Anadolu Agency on September 19, 2025, Moore declared that Putin has taken on more than he can handle, expecting a quick victory but severely underestimating Ukraine’s resolve.
In his words, “Bluntly, Putin has bitten off more than he can chew. He thought he was going to win an easy victory, but he and many others underestimated the Ukrainians.”
He stated that Putin’s aggression has backfired, strengthening Ukraine’s national identity and pushing the country closer to the West, while also driving Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Moore emphasized that the Russia-Ukraine conflict dominated his tenure as MI6 chief. He highlighted the UK’s leadership in supporting Ukraine’s defense and upholding principles essential for global peace and security.
Reflecting on his first meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Moore recalled Zelenskyy as a new, untested leader during a lunch in his first week as MI6 chief.
He noted Zelenskyy’s evident determination and resilience, which have since grown, earning Moore’s highest respect for his leadership.
Moore expressed pride in the British people’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, reinforcing the commitment of successive UK prime ministers to stand by Kyiv.
He described the immense suffering endured by Ukrainians, with the war causing death and destruction unmatched in Europe since World War II.
Moore condemned Russia’s deliberate targeting of civilians with calculated brutality, noting an escalation in attacks on civilian targets in recent weeks.
He also pointed out the toll on Russian citizens, stating that Putin’s disregard for human life extends to his own people.
Moore acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the conflict and praised Zelenskyy’s willingness to make extremely difficult compromises for peace.
However, he stressed that Putin shows no genuine interest in negotiations unless they result in Ukraine’s complete surrender. See, More, Here>>>>
