Ukrainian intelligence uses Russian assets for sabotage operations

Two Russian individuals working for Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) have revealed their involvement in operations targeting military hardware and personnel within Russian territory. In a BBC World Service documentary, an operative known as Ivan described supporting Ukrainian drone strikes against strategic bombers and ammunition factories located inside Russia.

A second operative, Foma, who is currently living in exile in Poland, manages a secret network of volunteers within Russia. This network specializes in monitoring high-ranking military officers for potential targeting by the GUR. Foma claimed responsibility for providing intelligence that led to the assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow last December, who was killed by an explosive device planted under his vehicle.

While the GUR has confirmed that both men are working for the agency, specific details remain difficult to verify due to the high level of operational security maintained by both the operatives and the intelligence service. However, the Ukrainian government has acknowledged its strategy of using covert agents and coordinated drone strikes to target military objectives within Russian borders.