Britain’s new MI6 chief is set to deliver a stark warning to Vladimir Putin today, insisting the UK will never abandon Ukraine, even as Kyiv signals a potential shift on its long-held ambition to join Nato.
Blaise Metreweli, speaking publicly for the first time since taking over as head of the Secret Intelligence Service, is expected to accuse Russia of posing an “aggressive, expansionist and revisionist” threat to Europe. Addressing staff at MI6 headquarters, she will say there should be no doubt in Moscow about Britain’s long-term commitment to Kyiv.
“Putin should be in no doubt, our support is enduring,” Metreweli is expected to say. “The pressure we apply on Ukraine’s behalf will be sustained.”
Her comments come at a sensitive moment in the war, following an unexpected signal from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky that Kyiv could be willing to abandon its Nato aspirations as part of a wider peace settlement.
Zelensky spent more than five hours in Berlin on Sunday in talks with senior envoys linked to Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Negotiations are due to resume today, with officials describing cautious progress.
“A lot of progress was made,” Witkoff said, revealing discussions around a 20-point peace plan. Zelensky adviser Dmytro Lytvyn confirmed that draft documents are now being reviewed and that talks are continuing.
Ahead of the meetings, Zelensky said Ukraine could drop its bid to join Nato in exchange for legally binding Western security guarantees, describing the offer as “already a compromise”. The proposal marks one of the clearest indications yet that Kyiv may be prepared to soften a red line that has long angered Moscow.
The talks were hosted by German chancellor Friedrich Merz, with other European leaders expected to arrive in Germany today as diplomatic efforts intensify.
While negotiations continue behind closed doors, Metreweli’s message signals that Britain, at least, has no intention of easing pressure on Russia. Even as Kyiv explores compromise, London is making clear that its backing for Ukraine — militarily, politically and through intelligence support — is not up for negotiation.