Russian intelligence agencies play a crucial role in executing Putin's plans and maintaining control in Ukraine, including creating lists of opponents and infiltrating Ukrainian intelligence services.
The United States has intelligence indicating that if Russia militarily occupies Ukraine, it may launch a campaign of arrests, assassinations, and detention camps, targeting politicians, activists, dissidents, and minority groups, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and protection.
Deep dives
Putin's Hybrid Warfare Tactics and Intelligence Agencies
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been using hybrid warfare tactics in his quest to regain Soviet glory, including occupying more of Ukraine. At the heart of Putin's strategy are Russia's powerful intelligence agencies. Reports indicate that Russian authorities have created lists of opponents in Ukraine, including politicians, journalists, dissidents, and activists. The intelligence agencies play a crucial role in executing Putin's plans and maintaining control. The infiltration of the Ukrainian intelligence services by Russia adds to the challenge of countering their operations.
Profiles of Russian Intelligence Agency Leaders
The podcast features an interview with Philip Kowatchovich, an expert on Russian intelligence. He provides insights into two key leaders of Russian intelligence, Sergey Naryshkin, the head of SVR, and Alexander Bortnikov, the head of FSB. While Putin seemed to publicly humiliate Naryshkin, experts suggest that their long-standing relationship indicates he is still in favor. The FSB, led by Bortnikov, is considered Putin's "baby" and plays a significant role in internal security, counterintelligence, and covert operations. The podcast highlights the economic and financial manipulation carried out by the FSB's Economic Security Service, enriching Putin and those around him.
The Role of GRU and Cyber Attacks
The podcast touches on the role of GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency, in cyber attacks and subverting Ukrainian politicians. Although not extensively profiled in this episode, it is noted that GRU is not at the same level as SVR and FSB in the Russian intelligence triad. However, it is still an important part of the apparatus, specializing in military information and special operations. The podcast discusses the potential risk of cyber attacks on US banks and infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures.
Implications of Russian Military Occupation in Ukraine
The United States has intelligence indicating that if Russia militarily occupies Ukraine, it may launch a campaign of arrests, assassinations, and detention camps. The targets are not only politicians, but also anti-corruption activists, journalists, Russian and Belarusian dissidents, ethnic and religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ activists. This drastic approach aims to quash any potential insurgency and dissent. The podcast emphasizes the danger of Putin's intentions and parallels with Russian past behavior, including targeted assassinations and poisonings. The US has shared this information with the United Nations, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and protection of those vulnerable to persecution.
Russian intelligence expert Filip Kovacevic profiles Putin’s spy bosses with Jeff Stein, and Foreign Policy magazine correspondent Amy Mackinnon detailsRussian plans for Ukraine roundups and assassinations
