Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced that it thwarted an alleged plot by Ukrainian intelligence to destroy the only aircraft carrier in Russia, the Admiral Kuznetsov. This incident reportedly took place in northern Russia and involved a Ukrainian intelligence officer who was attempting to recruit a Russian citizen for the operation. The FSB detailed that the officer, who went by the name "Oleg," offered significant financial rewards and an opportunity for international travel in exchange for carrying out a terrorist act against the vessel.
The FSB further asserted that this operation was supervised by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency. In March, Oleg reached out via messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to connect with an individual working on the flagship of the Russian Navy. This revelation has raised significant concerns regarding the security of military assets amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite the FSB's statements, Newsweek has been unable to independently verify the claims made regarding the thwarted attack. Efforts to obtain commentary from Ukrainian officials have been initiated but yielded no immediate responses. This incident underscores the heightened tensions and intelligence warfare that have become prevalent in the region since the conflict escalated.
Launched in 1985, the Admiral Kuznetsov has been out of service since 2018, undergoing repairs after a crane accident in a floating dock near Murmansk. Recent reports from Russian state media suggest that the ship might reenter service by the end of this year, although defense sources indicate that delays could push this back to 2025 if testing does not proceed smoothly.
The FSB has also reported thwarting an assassination attempt on senior officials within the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow. They claim that all individuals involved in these plots, including foreign nationals, have been placed on a wanted list and will face prosecution under Russian law. These developments highlight the escalating hostilities and intelligence operations taking place as the conflict intensifies.
Following these allegations, the FSB revealed an unsuccessful attempt by Ukrainian operatives to recruit a Russian pilot to hijack a strategic bomber jet. The agency claimed that the Ukrainian services offered monetary compensation and Italian citizenship to entice the pilot into their scheme, illustrating the lengths to which both sides are willing to go in this ongoing conflict.
The fallout from this intelligence battle continues to unfold, with both nations engaging in a war of narratives, each claiming to thwart the other's plans. As these incidents come to light, it becomes increasingly crucial to monitor the implications for regional security and international relations.
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