Vilnius, Lithuania – Defence experts are raising concerns about the rapid improvement in Moscow’s intelligence operations following the recent invasion of Ukraine. The escalation in intelligence activities was highlighted by a violent attack on Leonid Volkov, a close adviser to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Volkov was ambushed outside his home in Vilnius, Lithuania, in what he described as a brutal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The assailant, who struck Volkov with tear gas and a hammer, left him with severe injuries before fleeing the scene. The incident, which Volkov attributed to Putin, underscores a resurgence of Russian intelligence activities in Europe. According to Lithuanian intelligence, the attack appears to be the work of Russian special services, possibly carried out by a hired individual.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of Russian intelligence officers have been expelled from embassies across Europe, prompting Moscow to quickly rebuild its network. This rebuilding effort has reportedly involved collaboration with organized crime to carry out covert operations. The recent incidents, including the attack on Volkov and the mysterious death of a Russian defector in Spain, point to a concerning trend in Russian intelligence activities across the continent.
In response to previous failures, Russia seems to be taking more ownership of its covert operations. Unlike past incidents where involvement was denied, recent events have seen Russian officials hinting at their responsibility. This shift in strategy may be linked to Russia’s perceived need to engage in a more direct confrontation with the West.
According to analysts, Moscow’s intelligence operations have shown a significant degree of professionalism in recent months. The restructuring of Russian intelligence agencies, particularly the GRU, highlights a return to Cold War-era tactics. By training agents under deep cover and deploying them across Europe, Russia is adapting its espionage techniques to better suit its current geopolitical goals. The heightened activities in the secretive domain reflect Moscow’s view of a widening conflict with the West.
Experts believe that Russia’s approach to intelligence operations mirrors its historical pattern in times of conflict. Gradually, through persistence and a high tolerance for casualties, Russian agencies tend to improve their capabilities. As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and the West, the murky world of espionage is becoming an increasingly critical battleground for both sides.