MI6 chief issues plea to Russians as he reveals how Vladimir Putin is clinging on to power

Disillusioned Russians spying for MI6 after becoming alarmed by Vladimir Putin's bloodthirsty war in Ukraine have weakened the Kremlin's influence and campaigns, Britain's spy chief has revealed.

Sir Richard Moore, in his final speech as MI6's "C", admitted the Secret Intelligence Service wants to recruit more moles in Russia.

He said they will help "bring peace" to Europe and "redeem the honour of your country".

But Sir Richard admitted some have already provided critical clues that have allowed the UK and Western allies to counter Russian aggression more effectively.

Sir Richard said: "In Prague, I called on Russians disillusioned and dismayed by Putin's agenda to come spy with us, just like their grandparents and parents did.

"Because of their bravery, and the bravery of other agents around the world, our ministers very often play their cards knowing at least some of what is in the other side's hand, which improves their ability to deliver a world based on rules, stability and democracy."

The head of MI6 again made a pitch for Russians to work against the Kremlin, declaring "Putin is not Russia".

He said in a speech in Istanbul: "I must be clear that my Government, my Service and myself are not hostile to Russia, only to the actions of the Kremlin. While Putin deceives and dissembles, our task is to illuminate the truth.

"Putin is not Russia. And not all Russians subscribe to Putinism. Some keep their heads down and try to get on with their lives as best they can. Some, like Alexei Navalny, resist openly, and die for their beliefs. But others do so secretly, by working with MI6.

"Intelligence officers immerse themselves in the cultures of their interlocutors. Russia is, in many ways, a big part of the history of MI6. The country holds a special place within the service.

"MI6 is full of men and women who know and love many of the achievements of Russian culture, and who understand and respect the sacrifices of its people in our shared struggle against Nazi Germany.

"To those men and women in Russia who have truths to share and the courage to share them, I invite you to contact MI6. You will be working to bring peace to our continent; to protect the long-term interests - and redeem the honour - of your country.

"You will be working with a world class organisation. We will do everything in our power to keep you safe. Your needs and aspirations will be paramount. We can help you make a difference."

Intelligence officers will, for the first time, create a portal on the dark web used by criminals and dissidents trying to hide their identities.

And security chiefs hope this will allow the UK to recruit more spies to hand over sensitive information linked to Russian, Chinese, Iranian or terrorist activity.

It is far harder for intelligence agencies and police forces to detect and intercept messages and information shared on the dark web, illustrating why it is so popular for organised crime networks.

It marks another significant shift in the World of espionage, with fears intensifying that Russian intelligence agencies are relying on a "gig economy"-style recruitment method of paying criminals for sabotage, kidnapping and arson conspiracies.

And Sir Richard said Putin could have faced a political crisis "that threatens his own rule" had North Korea, Iran and China not supported the Russian military.

He said: "The big picture remains that Putin is mortgaging his country's future for his own personal legacy and a distorted version of history.

"As such, Russia's economy and demography, and its means to project imperial power, are in long term decline - and Putin's war is accelerating this decline.

"He invests not in infrastructure, schools and hospitals but in missiles, munitions and morgues.

"History warns us never to underestimate a country fighting for its independence, and for its very survival.

"Greater powers than Russia have failed to subjugate weaker powers than Ukraine. In the end, if we hold our nerve, Putin will need to come to terms with the fact that he has a choice: to risk an economic and political crisis that threatens his own rule, or make a sensible deal.

"This is a choice he would have had to confront earlier, if not for the outside help he has been receiving: yes, the drones from Iran, plus the men and materiel from North Korea, but it is the support that China has consistently given to Russia, both diplomatically and also in terms of "dual use goods" - the "Made in China" chemicals that end up in their shells; the electronic components that end up in their missiles - that have prevented Putin from reaching the conclusion that peace is his best option.

"And evidently, peace is in the interest of the Russian people."