Russia's assassination plots against Ukraine allies in the US and Europe
Federal officials have filed charges against five people, stating that Russian intelligence has planned targeted killings and terrorist acts against Ukrainian allies and dissidents in the US and Europe.
In an announcement made by federal authorities on Tuesday, it was revealed that Russian intelligence services planned targeted killings and terrorist acts against countries supporting Ukraine in the US and Europe, and five individuals facing arrest warrants were charged.
Indictment in Manhattan Federal Court
The indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court stated that a network linked to intelligence services paid or attempted to pay individuals in the US and other countries to conduct surveillance on targets and then kill them.
It was also stated that the network tasked individuals to carry out terrorist acts against civilian and military infrastructure in European countries seen as allies of Ukraine.
Statements by FBI Officials
James Barnacle Jr, head of the FBI's New York field office, stated that Russian intelligence services and their associates conspired to intimidate, threaten or kill people globally and on US soil.
Darren Cox, head of the FBI's Washington DC field office, attributed the thwarting of violent act attempts in the nation's capital and nationwide to the extraordinary collaborative work of multiple field offices.
Shift in Targets and Operations
According to the released bulletin, a network working on behalf of the Russian Federation's intelligence services has conspired and carried out attacks and assassinations worldwide, including in the US, since at least 2024.
It was noted that while this network had previously focused on Russian dissidents and asylum seekers, it recently began targeting countries perceived as allies of Ukraine.
Attempts Inside the US
Officials reported that this summer the network hired an individual to surveil and kill a prominent Russian dissident residing in the US and believed to live in the country.
The indictment stated that the person identified only as 'US Resident-1' was sent to two target locations, given explicit instructions and promised money, but after this person rejected the offer, the network began looking for other individuals.