Moscow, Russia – Defense experts have noted a rapid enhancement in Moscow’s intelligence operations following the invasion of Ukraine. The recent violent attack on Leonid Volkov, a close advisor to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, outside his home in Vilnius, Lithuania, serves as a grim reminder of the effectiveness of the brutal message delivered.
The assailant, targeting Volkov after he had filmed an anti-Putin video, used tear gas and a hammer to assault him before fleeing the scene. This incident, described by Volkov as a “gangster-style greeting from Putin,” underscores the resurgence of Russian intelligence activities in Europe post-Ukraine invasion.
Reports from Lithuanian intelligence have indicated the possible involvement of Russian special services in the attack on Volkov. Since the onset of the Ukraine invasion, hundreds of Russian intelligence officers have been expelled from European embassies, prompting Moscow to expedite the rebuilding of its intelligence network by reportedly collaborating with organized crime for covert operations.
In a separate incident, the mysterious death of a Russian defector, Maksim Kuzminov, in Spain has raised suspicions of Russian involvement, suggesting a pattern of espionage-linked attacks in Europe. Additionally, the arrest of Bulgarian nationals on charges of espionage and collaboration with a former German executive turned fugitive highlights the ongoing clandestine activities attributed to Moscow.
Russian authorities, unlike in previous incidents, have shown a propensity to acknowledge and even embrace their alleged involvement in covert operations. This shift in strategy mirrors Moscow’s perception of engaging in a prolonged conflict with the West, a sentiment amplified by the escalating tensions in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Analysts have observed a tactical shift in Russian intelligence operations, favoring a return to Cold War-era espionage tactics to counter Western influence. The restructuring of the GRU’s foreign operations unit signifies a deliberate effort to train agents for deep-cover missions in Europe, reminiscent of Soviet-era espionage methods.
Amidst the escalating tensions and evolving strategies, Moscow’s calculated maneuvers in intelligence operations suggest a strategic adaptation to confront the perceived threats posed by the West. The recent surge in professionalism and systematic restructuring of Russian intelligence apparatus underscore the Kremlin’s determination to dominate the clandestine domain in its geopolitical pursuits.