Former spy bosses discuss Ukraine and Putin's invasion - BBC Newsnight

The former heads of MI6 and the CIA gathered at Bletchley Park for a book launch and wanted to talk Ukraine and Russia.

Sir John Scarlett - ex-head of MI6 (2004-09) - spoke about whether a difference by publishing the details of the threat of Putin's invasion and what the cost would be.

Newsnight's Diplomatic and Defence Editor Mark Urban asked former CIA chief, John Brennan whether there could be a reset of relations with Russia while Putin remains President.

He said it would be "years before we're going to be able to repair the damage in Ukraine."

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[ConnMtenor]

I disagree about it taking years. It will take decades to normalize relations with Russia.

[BLURTHEGHOST]

It's unbelievable all the hidden complexities behind all this, and all the while, the war machine keeps turning?

[vinm]

Written in 1855 (Crimean War)
"This then is my creed. I look upon Russia as the personification of despotism :
in the present state of Poland and Hungary we see her work.
Such a power can be curbed only by war, and must be curbed sooner or later, if Europe is to remain free.
If we believe that God wills the liberty and happiness of mankind, how can we doubt that we are doing God's work in fighting for liberty against aggression"
John Bright MP was anti-war, and stated (1855) :-
"I go against fighting for Hungary or any other perfecting our own institutions, by promoting intelligence, morality and shall do more for humanity"
John Bright also acknowledged - "It is a delusion to think you can take guarantees from Russia", and suggesting that "The Russian power was a phantom".
170yrs later, and Russia is still at it.

[curiousliquids]

Please have your graphics department correct the map image. The Russian annexation of Crimea has not been internationally recognised.

[paultaylor]

The casualty figures are impressive too

[mumbairay]

Why is Crimea not part of Ukraine on the map

[BERENCEV]

2:10 It’s pleasure to watch. Erdogan should be at least 15-20 mins wait so we would have some marvellous footage.

[GreenAppelPie]

4:32 ‘I think it’s a mistake to over Putinize it’. Please explain who/what else is responsible? Because from where I’m standing he is the only reason. Blaming it on Russian extremists is also mute, without the support of Putin, nothing would happen. What a pointless statement.

[neonvalkyrie]

2:08 funnily enough last year, putin left erdogan waiting at a meeting, how ironic lol.

[StelmachsWorld]

History class in like 70 years will be crazy…. Everything is documented

[alexchernushenko]

Double-check your map - Crimea is Ukraine.

[nigelkingston]

Discuss the UK economy and the bloody inflation hitting the country ...

[KeithRingo]

Personally I don't think we should ever let Russia back into the international community until there's a natural gradual regime change.

[lounge]

Understanding the situation as this war is not just Mr. Putin's obsession is the key thing now! People's opinion can change!

[WillHayes]

Having a limited understanding of in any regard superior british intelligence capabilities, patiently during WW2 to frightening detail organized. Undoubtedly carrying into the present, improved and streamlined by the cloudy institution called the "five eyes". Not listening to the trustworthy expertise of british originating intelligence reports and analysis would be outrageously foolish.

[charlesbrightman]

Practical reality: Remove 1 single individual from power to save so many more lives. The international community needs to change for a better world.

[patrick-hokc]

John Brennan should have a serious look at America's own black heart before accusing Putin of doing anything wrong, American politicians all need too stand in front of a mirror and have a good look at themselves, greed won't allow that though

[peteralanhelman]

I love how you’ve blacked out the Crimean Peninsula in the opening map like the surrounding nations as tho it’s not still Ukraine. Smh

[robin]

Many people, myself included, naively believed at the beginning of this conflict that the problem was Putin - it's not, it's Russia.

[RavenswoodProductions]

Well, this is disturbing. The Intel guys seem to be writing Ukraine off as over and done.