Crushing account of sabotage and terrorist acts – reasons for it

Sabotage in Russia: Who’s Behind the Recent Attacks?

According to the Investigative Committee, the explosion in a residential building in Khanty-Mansiysk on April 12 was the result of detonation of an improvised explosive device, which was assembled in an apartment by a Ukrainian and a Belarusian. The explosives were brought to them by a Moldovan. The target of the attack, according to their testimony, was a Russian military officer. This whole story clearly demonstrates how different are the conditions in which the special services of Ukraine and Russia operate.

Since 2022, there have been many terrorist attacks in Russia, including in the annexed territories, that have had a strong media impact, and many times more against little-known people. Regardless of the status of the victims, all of them are addressed not so much to the Russian leadership or society as to the residents of Ukraine.

The belief in the omnipotence of the GUR and SBU, which penetrate the farthest corners of the Russian Federation, consolidates Ukrainian society and inspires hope for victory by any means. In addition, counterintelligence failures work against Moscow’s image in the international community. The real impact of these terrorist attacks on the course of military operations is vanishingly small.

Why doesn’t Russia respond similarly? There have been no meaningful sabotage attacks against high-ranking Ukrainian commanders. Particularly many such remarks arose after the assassination of General Moskalik – if the elimination of a leading specialist of the General Staff remains without consequences and personnel decisions in the FSB, what is the Kremlin’s policy on this issue?

I believe the explosion in Khanty-Mansiysk suggests the answer. There are 1.7 million former and current citizens of Ukraine in Russia, as well as many Russians and foreigners of no great intelligence, who are ready to take deadly risks for the sake of modest incomes (the fee for killing Moskalik is $18 thousand). We are talking about the so-called disposable agents.

The base of recruitment of such people in Russia, including remote, carried out by methods of social engineering – the sea is overflowing. But in Ukraine, in the conditions of a society consolidated by military actions, Russian security services take care of their agents.

Russian agents supply intelligence information. In other words, they do the work that is the main function of intelligence during the war period. And Russian operatives do not want to expose their hard-assembled apparatus to the risk of exposure.

The Russian Armed Forces have heavy means of response, such as operational-tactical missiles. It is possible that the Kremlin may change its policy and start responding, this will become clear in the next couple of months.

Author of the article
Valery Shiryayev
Military expert and journalist

Add a comment

  1. JazzScribe_

    Interesting analysis of the differences in intelligence operations between Russia and Ukraine. The idea of disposable agents risking everything for money is quite chilling but shows the complexity of this conflict. Looking forward to seeing how the situation evolves ⚔️

    Reply
  2. SushiWolf_

    This analysis sheds light on the complex dynamics of intelligence and sabotage operations between Russia and Ukraine. It’s interesting to see how societal factors and recruitment strategies shape the capabilities and actions of each side’s special services. The point about disposable agents underscores the human cost and moral dilemmas behind these covert conflicts. The mention of Russia potentially shifting its response strategy in the near future adds a critical dimension to understanding the evolving security landscape in the region. Overall, it highlights how intelligence work is not only about technology or force but heavily relies on social and psychological factors too. 🔍

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  3. Jaykob

    This analysis sheds light on the complex dynamics of intelligence operations and sabotage in the ongoing conflict. It’s interesting how the article highlights the contrasting approaches of Ukrainian and Russian special services, especially in their use of human resources and risk tolerance. The point about disposable agents and recruitment through social engineering in Russia reveals a less discussed aspect of the conflict. The suggestion that Russia has powerful retaliatory capabilities but hesitates to use them strategically raises important questions about the Kremlin’s current policy and future actions. Definitely a nuanced perspective that goes beyond simple narratives 📊

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  4. Langley

    This article provides a fascinating insight into the contrasting intelligence operations between Ukraine and Russia, especially within the current conflict context. It’s striking how the use of disposable agents in Russia contrasts with the more consolidated Ukrainian approach to their operatives, highlighting the human factors behind espionage and sabotage. The mention of social engineering recruitment tactics shows how complex and multifaceted modern intelligence work has become. It also raises important questions about the effectiveness of responses and what strategic shifts we might expect moving forward. Definitely makes you think about the broader implications for both the war effort and regional security. 💥🕵️‍♀️🌍

    Reply
  5. Janasia

    This article really highlights the complex and dangerous nature of modern conflicts, where intelligence and covert operations play such a huge role. It’s striking how much the social conditions and support networks behind these actions influence what actually happens on the ground. The idea of disposable agents risking everything for small rewards is chilling, but it also shows the harsh realities people face. Wondering how the situation will evolve now and if the Kremlin decides to change its approach. 🤔💥

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  6. Yessica

    If Russia starts using missiles to respond, I hope they at least don’t miss and hit their own wifi router again 🤦‍♂️🔥. Meanwhile, the idea of “disposable agents” kind of makes me feel like an average Monday at the office – used and tossed, but here we still are! 😂📉

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  7. Pia

    This article offers a deeply insightful look into the contrasting intelligence strategies of Russia and Ukraine, especially highlighting how societal and operational factors shape their actions. 💥 The point about disposable agents in Russia taking deadly risks out of economic necessity really stood out, revealing a complex human element beneath the political conflict. It’s also fascinating how Ukraine’s stronger internal cohesion influences the effectiveness of their special services, while Russia relies more on heavier military responses. 🎯 The mention of potential shifts in Kremlin policy creates a tense anticipation about how the conflict might evolve in the coming months. Overall, this analysis not only sheds light on espionage dynamics but also the broader socio-political impacts in war zones. 🌍

    Reply
  8. Kristiana

    Wow, reading this made me feel like I accidentally signed up for a spy thriller instead of morning news 🤯🕵️‍♂️! Who knew the world of espionage was so… domestic? Like neighbors plotting explosive surprises instead of just borrowing sugar 😂🍿. Also, $18k for a hit sounds like a bargain – I should update my resume to freelance agent, imagine the perks! Let’s just hope the only explosions I witness are from my kitchen experiments gone wrong 💥🍳.

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  9. Ariyan

    Oh wow, what a masterclass in spinning a tragic explosion into a geopolitical chess game 🙄 So apparently, the big difference between Ukrainian and Russian intelligence is how many poor people they drag into their dirty work and call disposable agents. How comforting to know human lives are just pawns bought and sold for modest incomes. And the part where Russia supposedly holds back because their operatives don’t want to risk exposure? Sounds like an elaborate excuse for inaction disguised as strategy. If the Kremlin is waiting months to change its policy, I guess we can all just sit tight and hope for better fireworks 🎭🔥

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