The former head of MI6 has said Europe is no longer in a “pre-war situation” with Russia, but in a “real war”.
Sir Richard Dearlove said on tonight’s Politics Hub with Sophie Ridge that he disagrees with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s assessment that Europe is in a pre-war era.
“I think we have to face up to the fact that the Russians think they are at war with us,” says Sir Richard.
“Donald Tusk called this a pre-war situation. I think he’s wrong. I think this is an actual war.”
“We have already clearly seen very aggressive movements on the Russian side in various European countries,” he added.
Asked whether Western leaders should call President Vladimir Putin and choose a communications policy, Sir Richard said: “I have always believed in dialogue with our adversaries.” .
“I think we are in a very difficult situation. For Russia, it would probably be better to have some dialogue than no contact at all. So I don’t rule out that possibility,” he added. .
“But at this point, we don’t know whether Russia is in an atmosphere or situation where it would be very conducive to talk to President Putin.”
Watch Sophie Ridge’s Politics Hub live on Sky News at 7pm
