Kyiv Sounds Alarm Over Russian Sleeper Cells
President Volodomyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian government have sounded the alarm, warning of Russian plans to overthrow their government. Curtailing their military successes, Moscow has reportedly activated its sleeper cells in Ukraine, aiming to destabilize the country further, according to Olexiy Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security Council.
In an interview with the British Times, Danilov explained that, with no success on the battlefield, internal destabilization is now a top priority for Russia.
Exploiting Tensions
Russian agents are attempting to lay siege to the tenuous alliance between President Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief Valery Salushny, fanning the flames of contention by spreading falsehoods. By creating divisions within the political and military leadership, Russia hopes to sow discord and chaos, undermining the Ukrainian government.
Stirring Public Opinion
Targeting the families of Ukrainian soldiers fighting at the front, as well as Russian prisoners of war, Russian agents aim to turn the tide of public opinion against the government. This move, Danilov suggests, is a direct response to Russia's limited victories on the battlefield.
Russia's Mistake
According to Danilov, remnants of the KGB remain embedded within Ukraine's security apparatuses, a legacy of the misstep in 1991 when they failed to disband the intelligence agency entirely. He acknowledged the presence of traitors within these structures.
Coup Plot
Two weeks prior, President Zelensky predicted a coup in Ukraine. The masterminds in Moscow are reportedly orchestrating a disinformation campaign, aiming to undermine Ukrainian society, incite chaos, and ultimately contribute to the government's downfall. The code name for this plan: "Maidan 3," an allusion to the protests that led to the ousting of former President Yanukovych in 2013-2014.
Heightened Concerns and Escalating Tensions
Following President Zelensky's warning, concerns about Russian influence have escalated, exacerbating tensions between the two nations. Ukrainian intelligence reported a suspected attack, initiated by activated Russian sleeper cells within Ukrainian territory, eyeing opportunities to exploit internal divisions and sabotage government institutions.
Enrichment Insights:
- Cross-Border Raids: The Freedom of Russia Legion, a paramilitary unit consisting of Russian citizens against their homeland's regime, has led numerous daring cross-border raids into Russia, particularly in the Belgorod region, aiming to create a demilitarized zone, obstructing Russian forces from other theaters of conflict, and potentially leading to regional instability.
- Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: Russian state media and pro-Kremlin channels have propagated rumors about the Freedom of Russia Legion as a fabrication or a foreign-backed intelligence ploy, a calculated move aimed at shattering credibility in Ukrainian forces and institutions.
- Support for Separatist Movements: There are signs that Russia supports separatist movements within Ukraine, but none of the sources provide clear details on specific tactics.
- Intelligence Operations: The involvement of Russian intelligence services within Ukraine's security apparatus is a pressing concern, but no specific tactics were mentioned in the sources.
- Military Actions: Russia's military aggression, including the invasion of Ukraine, has fueled widespread destruction and unrest within Ukraine, supporting the notion that such activities further destabilize the region.
