Kremlin turns to 'one-time spies' after Europe expels hundreds of Russian agents
Illustrative photo: FSB and GRU turn to recruiting "one-time spies" (Getty Images)
Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia's intelligence network has lost over 700 agents in Europe. As a result, Moscow is now actively recruiting "one-time spies," Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service reports.
Since February 2022, Russia's intelligence network in Europe has been largely dismantled. European security services expelled roughly 700 Russian spies, most of whom operated under the cover of Russian diplomatic missions.
"The most extensive purges took place in Bulgaria, where 82 representatives of Russian diplomatic missions were declared persona non grata. Germany expelled 65 people, Poland – 58, Romania – 52, Slovakia – 39, the Netherlands and Slovenia – 34 each, and so on," the service said.
After losing this network, Russian security services shifted their focus to recruiting civilians in European countries. Since 2022, the following cases have been recorded:
- 47 in Poland;
- 20 in Estonia;
- 19 in Latvia;
- 12 in Germany;
- 10 in the United Kingdom.
"In total, 130 people in 12 European countries have been suspected of working for Russia," the Foreign Intelligence Service reported.
Recognizing the inevitable failure of their agents, Moscow began recruiting "one-time spies." These individuals are hired for single missions — to obtain information or complete a specific task.
The enemy uses the internet, social media, religious communities, sports clubs, and public events to recruit. Russian security services actively search for potential operatives in these spaces.
"This is part of the Kremlin's hybrid strategy aimed at undermining the security of European states. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine calls on Ukrainians and citizens of other countries to be vigilant so as not to become an instrument of Russia's aggression," the service concluded.
At the same time, British counterintelligence agencies warned that the United Kingdom faces growing threats from Russia, Iran, and China. The terrorism risk from Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran is "huge."
Earlier, Britain's MI5 also warned politicians and staff that they are under attack from spies from China, Russia, and Iran. The enemy is attempting to gather sensitive information.
