Two Russian nationals claiming to assist Ukraine’s military intelligence service, known as the GUR, have provided rare accounts of covert actions targeting military assets and high-ranking officials within Russia. The details emerged in a BBC World Service documentary produced by Polish journalist Marcin Mamon.
One operative, using the pseudonym Ivan, detailed his involvement in tracking military locations and placing drone parts near Russian infrastructure. Ivan stated that his efforts are aimed at helping Ukraine target strategic military facilities, including airfields and manufacturing plants. He revealed that operatives often conceal explosive elements in advance to facilitate later strikes, adding that he acts out of opposition to the Russian leadership.
Remote Surveillance and Secret Networks
Another individual, identified as Foma, operates from exile in Poland and manages a clandestine network of volunteers. Foma explained that his group gathers detailed intelligence on Russian military personnel and passes the information to Ukrainian authorities. His network provides surveillance training remotely, teaching volunteers how to track targets while avoiding detection by security services.
Foma claimed his network monitored Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov prior to the officer’s death from an explosive device under his vehicle in Moscow. While Foma maintains his team only gathers data and does not execute attacks directly, he estimated that several hundred volunteers across Russia, Ukraine, and Europe assist in logistics and digital tracking.
Verification and Operational Risks
The GUR confirmed that both men work with the agency, though officials acknowledged the inherent difficulty in verifying every detail of covert field operations. Handlers noted that security protocols remain strict, with operatives kept strictly isolated from one another to prevent networks from being compromised if an individual is captured.
Both operatives noted the severe personal risks involved in their activities, including lengthy prison sentences if caught by Russian authorities. Despite the dangers, they expressed a belief that impacting military assets could affect the broader outcome of the conflict.
Source: BBC News
