Russia intensifies hunt for Putin critics abroad, report says
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
After 2022, Russia stepped up its efforts to carry out operations against its opponents abroad, while the actions of its intelligence services became more targeted and politically approved, according to abc.
Rising threats in Europe
European officials and intelligence representatives say they are seeing a growing number of cases that, according to their assessments, may be linked to attempts to pressure and eliminate Russia’s opponents on EU territory. Targets include activists, military defectors, and supporters of Ukraine.
According to the sources, these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend that has intensified since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Cases of surveillance and attack preparations
One example cited is an incident in France involving Russian activist Vladimir Osechkin, who has been under state protection since 2022. French authorities believe he may be facing a security threat.
According to court documents, in April 2025, a group of Russian men spent several hours monitoring his home in southwestern France, taking photos and videos of the property. Osechkin said he had noticed signs that he may have been under surveillance.
Other incidents across EU countries
In Lithuania, law enforcement authorities said they had uncovered several plots linked to possible assassination attempts targeting supporters of Ukraine and Russian activists.
In Germany, reports said authorities had thwarted operations against defense industry representatives and Ukrainian military officials.
In Poland, a suspect was detained in 2024 in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate the President of Ukraine.
That same year, a Russian defector was killed in Spain in a case that investigators linked to individuals connected to Russian structures.
Theories and intelligence assessments
Western intelligence officials say that, according to their information, Russia’s methods have changed since 2022, with a greater reliance on intermediaries and recruited operatives.
According to these assessments, such an approach helps reduce the direct involvement of state structures.
Russian officials have previously denied allegations of involvement in similar operations abroad.
Goals and consequences
European officials believe such actions may serve not only the purpose of physical elimination, but also pressure opponents and create an atmosphere of fear among activists linked to support for Ukraine.
Intelligence representatives emphasize that even failed operations do not rule out future attempts.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the long-range strikes on facilities in Perm, stressing that pressure on Russia would continue. In his statement, he also addressed the Kremlin, reminding it of the ongoing war and its consequences for Russia.
Zelenskyy additionally stated that Ukraine would respond symmetrically to Russian strikes. At the same time, he said that if Moscow is prepared for diplomatic dialogue, Kyiv is also ready to pursue negotiations and a diplomatic settlement.
