Ukraine’s secret services have thousands of agents embedded within the Russian military, including over 2,000 who are part of the ATEŞ guerrilla movement.
Setting Fire to Russian Trenches
ATEŞ was founded in Russian-occupied Crimea in 2022, and its members conduct both espionage and sabotage missions. According to The Telegraph, their numbers have grown rapidly, with Russian soldiers increasingly joining their ranks.
These Russian recruits provide valuable intelligence to Ukraine, such as troop movements, weapons supplies, and the locations of commanders, according to Ziare. On airbases, they report on aircraft readiness, air defense systems, and supply depots. Some even take part in high-risk sabotage operations.
One soldier recounted setting fire to his own military unit's trenches along the Dnipro River in July. The blaze destroyed equipment, spread to nearby shelters, and left 20 soldiers with severe burns. He is committed to continuing his efforts against Putin’s regime, even as Russia cracks down on internal dissent.
Russia Reacts with Public Trials
Russia has escalated its counter-sabotage operations, including public trials for those accused of aiding Ukraine. ATEŞ has not commented on how many of its agents have been captured, but their activities continue to impact the Russian military.
One Russian recruit from an airbase near the Ukrainian border monitors aircraft movements and weapons transfers. He acknowledges the risks but remains committed to his role, believing his actions can help end the war.
Crimea remains a key focus for ATEŞ. One of the group’s biggest successes was aiding the Ukrainian missile strike that destroyed the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol last September, killing 32 Russian officers.
Another agent in Crimea provided intelligence that led to a missile attack on a ferry carrying fuel and weapons, which has contributed to a fuel shortage on the peninsula.
Despite the danger, these recruits are determined to continue their work, convinced that their efforts are making a difference in the fight against Russia’s military.
