The Controversial Ancestry of MI6's New Chief Blaise Metreweli

Blaise Metreweli has made history as the first female head of MI6, a secretive agency responsible for British intelligence. Following her appointment, attention turned to her background, leading many to explore her family history after she graduated from Cambridge with high marks and then seemingly faded from public view.

Recent discoveries from German archives reveal that Metreweli's paternal grandfather, Constantine Dobrowolski, was a significant figure during World War II. He defected from the Red Army to become a chief informant for the Germans in Ukraine and was infamously known as 'Agent No 30.' His letters disclosed his involvement in heinous acts, including the execution of Jews and boasting about the abuse of female prisoners. At one point, a bounty of 50,000 roubles was placed on his head, amounting to around £200,000.

Although Metreweli never met her grandfather, concerns have arisen regarding how her family's past could be utilized as propaganda by Russia, which often accuses the UK of supporting 'Nazis' in Ukraine. Beka Kobakhidze, a history professor from Georgia, indicated that this connection would likely be exploited by Kremlin narratives for the foreseeable future.

While acknowledging that individuals should not bear the burden of their ancestors' actions, Kobakhidze expressed confusion over the UK’s decision to appoint someone with such a controversial lineage. Furthermore, it has been claimed that false narratives have already emerged surrounding her step-grandfather, who was incorrectly labeled a Nazi by Russian sources after her grandmother settled in Britain post-war. A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office emphasized that Metreweli's complex history informs her commitment to safeguarding the UK from modern threats.