According to a 2026 report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Russian intelligence has shifted from traditional espionage to recruiting so-called ‘disposable agents’ via Telegram, gaming platforms, and other online channels. Many recruits, including Ukrainians unaware of broader strategic goals, are tasked with remote sabotage such as arson, vandalism, and reconnaissance across Europe and the UK. Payment, often promised in cryptocurrency, incentivizes vulnerable groups like teenagers, migrants, and older ex-Soviet military personnel. In 2024, incidents of Russia-linked sabotage reportedly rose to 34 across Europe, from 12 in 2023 and just 2 in 2022. Poland is cited as a primary target, with arrests of Ukrainian nationals linked to sabotage aiming to provoke political tensions and anti-Ukrainian sentiment. The report warns these acts collectively serve Kremlin goals to demoralize NATO allies, test their red lines, and reduce public support for Ukraine. It urges NATO and the EU to enhance definitions, deterrence, and counterterrorism measures against such hybrid threats.
Category: Military & Paramilitary Operations
Subcategory: Unconventional / Paramilitary
Incident Type: Use of ‘little green men’ (unmarked soldiers)
Country: United Kingdom
Source report: news.sky.com/story/how…
