**Russia Recruiting Ukrainians for Illegal Operations in Europe, Says Ukrainian Intelligence**
The Russian intelligence services are actively trying to recruit Ukrainian nationals for illegal operations across the European Union. This warning comes from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), which revealed that Kremlin-linked operatives are offering money to vulnerable Ukrainians, particularly those from Russian-occupied territories.
According to HUR, these individuals are being asked to conduct surveillance of critical infrastructure and carry out other tasks for the benefit of the Russian state. The agency emphasized that this is another tool of hybrid aggression used by Russia against Ukraine and the entire European community.
This recruitment effort comes amid a growing number of suspected Russian-directed sabotage and arson plots across Europe involving Ukrainian nationals. In the UK, British security officials are currently investigating possible Russian involvement in a series of arson attacks targeting properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Three men – Roman Lavrynovych, Petro Pochynok, and Stanislav Carpiuc – have been charged with conspiracy to commit arson.
Similar cases have been reported in Germany, Poland, and Switzerland. German authorities accused three Ukrainian nationals of being involved in a Russian-orchestrated parcel bomb plot. In Poland, two Ukrainians were charged in connection with suspected Russian-backed arson attacks at an IKEA store and a shopping mall. Russia is also believed to be behind a fire at a DHL airport logistics hub in Leipzig, Germany.
**Exploiting Desperate Individuals**
The Ukrainian intelligence agency emphasized that such operations rely on exploiting desperate individuals and weaponizing them against host countries. It called on European governments to remain vigilant and closely coordinate with Ukrainian security services.
Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of using covert sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation as part of its broader campaign to destabilize European nations that support Ukraine during the Russian war.
**Urgent Warning**
The agency urged Ukrainian citizens abroad to immediately report any contact with suspicious individuals to local law enforcement or Ukrainian diplomatic missions. This warning highlights the importance of close coordination between European governments and Ukrainian security services in preventing such operations.
As Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine, it’s clear that the country is willing to use all means necessary to disrupt the stability of Europe. It’s essential for Western officials to take a proactive approach in addressing these threats and protecting their citizens from exploitation.
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