Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, has disclosed that Russia has significantly increased its espionage activities in Ukraine.
In an interview with The Times, reported by Radio Liberty and cited by sources of Ukrainska Pravda, Danilov outlined the growing concerns over Russian spy operations within the country.
According to Danilov, the primary objective of these Russian agents is to create division within the Ukrainian political and military leadership and to foster anti-government sentiment among the populace.
He highlighted that Russia is leveraging the so-called tension between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, to further its agenda.
Furthermore, Danilov emphasized that these spy networks are engaged in spreading disinformation and propaganda to destabilize Ukraine’s internal situation.
Contrary to earlier reports by Radio Liberty, which suggested that Russian spies had infiltrated the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Danilov clarified to Ukrainska Pravda that the SBU is actively countering these espionage efforts.
This revelation comes amidst President Zelenskyy's recent statements warning of Moscow's plans to sow discord within Ukrainian society.
He referred to an intelligence report about a Russian plan named "Maidan 3," aimed at creating chaos and possibly removing him from office by the end of 2023.
Zelenskyy also cautioned the military against any political activity, underscoring the importance of maintaining a clear hierarchy and national unity.
The increased Russian spy activity in Ukraine represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and poses a serious challenge to Ukrainian national security and stability.
