The Associated Press writes that Western intelligence agencies report that since it invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russia has significantly intensified its programs of political assassinations and assassination attempts across Europe.
Activists, defectors, military personnel, and Ukrainian supporters have been targeted. Law enforcement agencies in France, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, and Spain are investigating or have already thwarted Russian-backed operations that include espionage, bombing attempts, and shootings.
Possible targets include Russian activist Vladimir Osechkin, Bashkortostan independence advocate Ruslan Gabasov, and even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to intelligence, Moscow is now more often using the services of criminal elements or recruiting locals due to the mass expulsion of Russian agents from European countries after the Skripal poisoning in 2018.
European security officials believe that these actions are aimed not only at eliminating opponents but also at creating a climate of fear among critics abroad. The Russian side officially denies any involvement in such actions.
