Former head of British intelligence: This isn't a "pre-war" situation; it's a "real war" of Russia against Europe.

Europe is currently not in a "pre-war" situation but in a "real war" against Russia, stated Richard Dearlove, former head of the British intelligence agency MI6, in a comment to Sky News on November 27.

"I think we must accept the fact that the Russians believe they are at war with us," Dearlove said.

According to Dearlove, the conflict has already extended beyond Ukraine.

"Donald Tusk referred to it as a pre-war situation," Dearlove remarked. "I think he is mistaken. I believe this is a real war."

A few days ago, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine risks escalating into a "global conflict."

Dearlove stated that Russia is waging a hybrid war against Europe across many sectors, executing acts of sabotage and "some very aggressive actions."

He mentioned that intelligence leaders in Europe, the U.S., and the U.K. have characterized Russia as "wild."

Russian intelligence services are involved in sabotage across Europe, including cyberattacks, espionage, and election interference. Since joining NATO in 2023, Finland has reported an increase in hybrid attacks from neighboring Russia.

Dearlove indicated that Western countries are now in a "very dangerous situation."

It would be better, he noted, for the West to engage in negotiations with the Kremlin; however, he warned that Putin is unlikely to cooperate.

"I think we are in a very complicated situation, and with Russia, it is probably better to have some dialogue than to have no contact at all. So I do not rule that out," he stated.

"But I am not currently confident that Russia is in the mood or situation where talking to Putin would be very easy," he added.

Background. It is worth noting that former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan stated that "Putin will never make concessions; negotiations with him are impossible." Putin may agree to a ceasefire if the situation on the front forces him to seek a respite, but that would only be a pause, he said.