Russia Expands Global Spy Operations Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russian intelligence activity has expanded globally, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, as Western support for Ukraine intensifies, with new hotspots like Riyadh emerging alongside traditional espionage centers. Russian agents are reportedly recruiting, placing sensors on arms shipments, and broadening their operations across countries such as Romania, Czechia, Germany, and Poland. Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence has claimed a series of covert successes against high-ranking Russian military figures, efforts President Zelenskiy publicly lauded while continuing to target Russian intelligence networks within Ukraine. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of orchestrating assassinations of Russian officials, but Ukrainian authorities have remained largely silent on specific incidents. This escalation reflects a broader intelligence conflict, as both sides intensify covert operations beyond the battlefield in their war for strategic advantage.