Britain’s new spy chief warns Putin, vows backing for Ukraine

New head of Britain’s MI6, the country’s foreign intelligence service, Blaise Metreweli, criticised Russia and warned President Vladimir Putin that British intelligence will not abandon Ukraine.

In her first speech from MI6 headquarters, Metreweli affirmed the UK’s steadfast support for Kyiv, warning that Putin should have no doubt, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Telegraph.

“The pressure we apply on Ukraine‘s behalf will be sustained,” she emphasised.

The statement comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump continues to push for a “peace agreement” to be in place by Christmas and exerts pressure on Ukraine to secure significant territorial concessions.

Metreweli succeeded Sir Richard Moore earlier this year, becoming the first woman to lead Britain’s foreign intelligence service in its 116-year history.

She studied anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and was part of the crew that defeated Oxford in the 1997 women’s Boat Race. She joined MI6 as a case officer in 1999.

By Jeyhun Aghazada