Russian counter-intelligence chief Alexander Bortnikov, who heads the FSB, expressed concerns about potential threats from what he perceives as real-life James Bonds and SAS sabotage squads. He emphasized his apprehensions regarding British involvement in orchestrating subversive activities against Russia, alleging that the UK, through MI6, is behind acts of terrorism and sabotage within Russian territory.
Bortnikov accused British special services of planning incursions by Ukrainian groups into Russian border areas and targeting critical infrastructure facilities. He claimed that British intelligence is overseeing the preparation and propaganda for these operations, including the involvement of the elite British Special Air Service (SAS) in combat actions against Russia.
Additionally, Bortnikov attributed the lack of a peace agreement in Ukraine to British interference, portraying the UK as a significant threat to the Kremlin. He also linked British provocations and disinformation to disrupting efforts for a Ukrainian settlement.
Furthermore, Bortnikov pointed to British involvement in spreading propaganda following a drone strike operation in June that damaged Russian strategic bomber aircraft. He highlighted a broader narrative of NATO countries playing a central role in creating zones of instability globally, including in regions like the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In his assessment, the former KGB officer underscored Britain’s role in fueling fears of an Eastern threat and positioned himself as a staunch defender against external threats to Russia. Bortnikov, who has been at the helm of the FSB since 2008, remains a steadfast ally of President Vladimir Putin, reflecting a deep-seated Cold War mindset in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.