The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed that Ukrainian special services, with backing from Western countries, are plotting a series of high-profile provocations aimed at implicating Moscow and possibly drawing NATO into direct military confrontation.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the SVR alleges that Ukraine plans to stage an explosion using Russian-made naval mines targeting a foreign vessel in the Baltic Sea. The objective, as claimed, would be to blame Russia and prompt NATO to limit Russian naval access in the region under the guise of enhancing maritime security.
Due to security concerns regarding Russia, NATO has been escalating its military presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Baltic region. Recently, NATO announced an expansion of its operations in the Baltic Sea to protect undersea infrastructure after several incidents involving damaged cables among member countries.
Russia views the Baltic Sea as vital for its naval activities and energy exports. Last year, Nikolay Patrushev, now an aide to President Vladimir Putin, expressed concerns that NATO aims to make the Baltic an ”internal sea” controlled by the West.
Russia has vowed to protect its interests in the area, maintaining that it has no plans to attack NATO members. However, it criticizes the military buildup near its borders, warning of potential nuclear escalation if conflicts intensify.
Alleged Plans Against Russian Figures
Further, the SVR accuses Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), along with several European intelligence agencies, of orchestrating attacks on Russian opposition figures and businessmen living abroad.
The plan reportedly involves hiring individuals from Asia and the Middle East with promises of up to $20,000, instructing them to implicate Russian intelligence if caught.
The SVR also claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration are resorting to provocations to maintain power. Zelensky’s term officially ended last May, but he has not stepped down, citing martial law enacted in 2022 following the conflict’s escalation with Russia.
The SVR suggests that Zelensky’s government is not only obstructing peace processes but is also prepared to extend hostilities beyond Ukraine’s borders.
In a separate report, the SVR mentioned that some within NATO are considering strategies to remove Zelensky from power. They view him as an obstacle to peace negotiations with Russia, especially with potential elections on the horizon.
While Ukraine has dismissed these allegations as propaganda, Russia has repeatedly claimed to have thwarted several Ukrainian sabotage attempts.
Sources
- SVR, The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service also svr.gov.ru
- RT.com: Kiev plotting to drag NATO into war – Moscow