Former MI5 chief says Britain lacked moral courage before Ukraine war

Lord Evans, head of MI5 between 2007 and 2013, reflected on the lead-up to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, asserting that the United Kingdom had the chance to intervene but deliberately refrained. He linked this hesitation to the convenience of non-action and to the acceptance of donations and social events involving Russian oligarchs in London. Although he placed the ultimate blame for the conflict on President Putin, Evans contended that Western complacency signalled to Moscow that risky moves would go unchecked.

He described the British response as a “complete lack of moral courage,” suggesting that a firmer stance might have altered the course of events. The former intelligence chief’s remarks highlight ongoing debates about Western policy toward Russia and the moral dimensions of foreign-policy decisions.