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The Journal.

The Suspected Russian Plot to Set Airplanes on Fire

Dec 13, 2024
Bojan Pancevski, a seasoned WSJ reporter, dives into a chilling investigation of a suspected Russian plot to ignite airliners, revealing tactics reminiscent of the Cold War. He discusses Russia's recent escalations across Europe, including modus operandi to recruit civilians for chaos. Pancevski uncovers dangerous incendiary devices found in everyday items, prompting a global security reevaluation. The conversation also touches on how Europe is adapting to confront these mounting threats amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
20:56

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Recent coordinated attacks linked to Russia highlight an alarming shift from traditional espionage to overt actions aimed at destabilizing Europe.
  • The discovery of incendiary devices in DHL packages reveals serious vulnerabilities in air freight security, necessitating increased measures to prevent potential disasters.

Deep dives

Escalating Russian Operations

Recent investigations reveal a concerning pattern of coordinated attacks linked to Russian operations across Europe, including sabotage of infrastructure and widespread vandalism. Reports indicate that a series of incidents, such as the damaging of internet cables and railway systems, are perceived to be interrelated and potentially orchestrated by Russian intelligence. Evidence from Western intelligence, including signal intelligence, suggests that these efforts are aimed at creating chaos and undermining support for Ukraine among European nations. The attacks often involve civilian recruits, including refugees who, unaware of their connections to Russian espionage, are used for such activities.

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