Russian FSB intelligence network operating throughout Europe represents ‘colossal threat’ – diplomat
A Russian intelligence network is operating widely throughout Europe, Ukrainian politician and diplomat Roman Bezsmertny told Radio NV interview on Feb. 19, referring to the assassination of Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov in Spain.
Read also: Defected Russian pilot on how Russian commanders abuse their positions
FSB agents in European nations are engaged in a range of destructive activities from damaging infrastructure to targeted killings, he said.
"This tragic incident [ assassination of Kuzminov] underscores the reach and malign influence of the FSB's operations," he said, labeling FSB activities as a "colossal threat" to European security.
The confirmation of Kuzminov's death on Feb. 19 by the Ukrainian military intelligence came after Russian social media and news outlets were abuzz with the details of his killing, which involved up to twelve gunshot wounds.
A torched vehicle, missing from the scene, and the diverse international community in the area, including Ukrainians and Russians, added layers of complexity to the investigation.
Operation Sunbird - What is known
The backdrop to this espionage story includes the defection of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter to Ukraine on Aug. 23, 2023, as part of Operation Sunbird, a secret mission orchestrated by the Ukrainian intelligence.
Read also: Russian Mi-8 helicopter with crew reportedly surrender to Ukrainian military, says journalist
The operation, which took more than six months to plan, saw the helicopter ferrying parts between Russian bases before making its landing in Kharkiv Oblast, with pilot Maxim Kuzminov and his unaware crew members aboard. Following the successful defection, two of his crew were reportedly killed.
Kuzminov, who played a key role in the operation, had since resettled in Ukraine with his family, previously extracted from Russia, and received $500,000 and a new identity under a government program, marking a significant win for Ukrainian intelligence.
The Mi-8 helicopter, meant to deliver parts to Russian jets, has now been incorporated into Ukraine's combat fleet, symbolizing a small but poignant victory in the ongoing conflict.
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