According to Kyiv, hundreds of Russian intelligence agents remain in Europe, despite widespread expulsions implemented at the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Oleh Luhovskyi, the Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, informed Spiegel that they currently have information indicating that at least 366 Russian intelligence personnel are situated in European countries. He added that although many of these individuals are disguised as diplomats, not all of them are.
Luhovskyi warned of a rising trend in sabotage attacks, citing the drone strike on Leipzig Airport earlier this August. He stressed that what they are currently seeing represents only the initial stage of hybrid warfare, predicting that these activities will continue to intensify. Furthermore, he suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be dissuaded by countermeasures, such as the closure of consulates.
Regarding concerns about Russia launching a direct attack on EU member states, the intelligence official stated that this situation is increasingly evolving into a realistic possibility. However, he refuted warnings claiming an immediate Russian assault on the Baltic countries. He explained that if an attack were truly imminent, military troop movements would be observable, yet such movements are not currently being detected.
