The former head of MI6 has dismissed claims that Britain is in a “pre-war phase” with Russia insisting instead that we are in an “actual war.”

Sir Richard Dearlove responded to comments made by the Polish Prime Minister early this week, who warned that Europe is in a “pre-war era” and at its most “dangerous point since 1945.” The European leader warned there was a “serious and real” threat of global war.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Dearlove said: “Donald Tusk has referred to it as a pre-war situation. I think he’s wrong. I think it’s an actual war.

“I think we have to face up to the fact that the Russians think they’re in a state of war with us.

“We’ve seen already quite clearly some very aggressive moves on the part of the Russians in various European countries.”

Mr Dearlove claimed that Russia is engaging in hybrid warfare with Russian special services that have been linked to sabotage efforts across Europe, including cyberattacks, espionage, and election interference.

NATO’s newest member, Finland, has reported an increased volume of hybrid attacks from Russia since its signing up to the collective defence treaty.

The European coalition’s response to Russian aggression has drastically changed since Donald Trump’s re-election as US president.

Throughout his campaign, he talked repeatedly about ending the war on day one and his personal relationship with Vladimir Putin.

Many interpreted that as an indication that Trump could be willing to allow Russia to consolidate its gains in a bid to end the war.

Yesterday, Trump announced on Truth social that he had appointed former General Keith Kellog to serve as the “Special Envoy for Ukraine Russia.”

It is believed that Kellog presented the president-elect with a plan to end the war, including telling Ukraine they would only receive continued US support if they engaged in peace talks.

Mr Dearlove is not against Europe engaging in dialogue with Putin but believes it would have limited effect.

He said: “I think we’re in a very difficult situation, and Russia is probably better to have some sort of dialogue with them than no contact at all. So I don’t rule that out.

“But I think at the moment, I’m not sure Russia is in a mood or a situation where it’s going to be very easy to talk to Putin.”