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Russia accuses Ukraine of training Mexican cartel members in drone warfare
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged that the Ukrainian military has provided combat drone training to members of Mexican drug cartels. According to the SVR, at least 80 individuals linked to Mexican criminal organizations have traveled to Ukraine to learn the assembly and operation of First Person View (FPV) drones in combat scenarios.
The Russian intelligence agency claims that the training was financed using proceeds from drug sales in the United States, with payments allegedly transferred to officials close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The SVR further asserted that U.S. law enforcement agencies are investigating these connections and expressed concern that trained drone operators could pose a direct threat to U.S. agents combating drug trafficking along the Mexican border.
Russian authorities noted that these allegations could jeopardize Ukraine's political standing and its support from the United States. However, the SVR has not provided documentary evidence, specific names, or dates to independently verify these claims.
Entities
Mexico · Russian Foreign Intelligence Service · Ukraine · United States · Volodymyr Zelensky · Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] The training of FPV drone operators poses a life risk to U.S. law enforcement officers fighting drug trafficking on the Mexican border. press.russianews.it · de-rt.com · drvnoticias.com · laopinion.com · buenosdiasbcs.com · +5 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The SVR has not provided documentary evidence, specific names, or dates to independently verify these allegations. drvnoticias.com · buenosdiasbcs.com · www.cubaheadlines.com · tribuna.com.mx
- [● 10 SOURCES] At least 80 individuals linked to Mexican criminal groups have reportedly received drone training within the Ukrainian military. press.russianews.it · de-rt.com · drvnoticias.com · laopinion.com · buenosdiasbcs.com · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Payments for the training were allegedly transferred to officials close to President Volodymyr Zelensky using funds from drug sales in the United States. press.russianews.it · de-rt.com · drvnoticias.com · laopinion.com · buenosdiasbcs.com · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accuses Ukraine of training Mexican drug cartel members in drone assembly and combat use. press.russianews.it · de-rt.com · drvnoticias.com · laopinion.com · buenosdiasbcs.com · +5 more