Russia threatens critical infrastructure of the UK — head of British intelligence

Russia poses a serious threat to the UK and its critical infrastructure. This became one of the main points of the upcoming speech by the head of the largest British intelligence agency, the Government Communications Center (GCHQ) Ann Kist-Butler.

Before Kist-Butler's speech, fragments of her speech were sent to journalists. They note that the UK has entered a "new period of radical uncertainty," and the risk of possible miscalculations amid threats from hackers from Russia and China — more than ever. As stated in the text of the future speech, Russia "threatens critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust."

"In the face of such aggression and chaos, GCHQ is working tirelessly with its intelligence and defense partners to minimize the threat from Russia," Kist-Butler said.

According to her, Moscow is "stepping up daily hybrid actions against the UK and Europe." Kist-Butler will also tell how GCHQ employees are working undercover to "thwart Russia's attempts to smuggle Western technologies," as well as "resist cyber attacks and fend off thoughtless sabotage and assassination attempts."

She will also touch on the topic of conflict on Ukraine.

"While we continue to unwaveringly support Ukraine, Putin is moving back to the battlefield," the GCHQ director will say.

GCHQ specializes in electronic intelligence and information security for the British government and the army. Kist-Butler will give a speech at Bletchley Park, where her service was based during the Second World War. As expected, in the future the head of the department will make a similar speech once a year. At the same time, as the Guardian notes, the rhetoric against China in Kist-Butler's speech is softer than against Russia, despite several recent espionage scandals.