'Russia spies around globe': How Kremlin expands its spy network after war begins
Photo: The Kremlin expanded its network of agents around the world after the war began (Getty Images)
Modern Russian intelligence services are operating around the world more extensively than ever before. A surge in agent activity in Europe and the Middle East is being observed due to Western countries' support for Ukraine, Major General Illia Pavlenko says in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
"Bern used to be called the 'spy capital' then Geneva, then Vienna - at different times, the place where events that changed the world were happening would attract agents from all over the globe. For example, wherever there is a concentration of international organization or corporate offices, or a place serving as a platform for important negotiations," Pavlenko said.
According to Major General, recently, one could say that Riyadh has become such a spy center.
"Obviously, intelligence personnel will be working there, ensuring negotiations and the security of the individuals arriving there. But now this geography is broader because many European countries are involved in supporting Ukraine. That's why we see Russian agents popping up in Romania, then in Czechia, then in Germany, then in Poland," Pavlenko noted.
Major General clarified that in some places, Russian spies are placing sensors on trains carrying weapons, recruiting people - in other words, they've started operating on a broader scale.
Russian provocations in Europe
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, Russia continues to recruit foreign mercenaries for the war against Ukraine. From April 2023 to the end of May 2024, more than 1,500 foreigners were recruited in Moscow.
In addition, Russia is stepping up its hybrid attacks against the Netherlands and European allies. A conflict in the gray zone between war and peace has already become a reality.
Furthermore, Austria recently exposed a Russian spy network aimed at discrediting Ukraine.
