According to the *Wall Street Journal*, Russia has reportedly formed a new intelligence unit dedicated to carrying out covert operations against Western nations. This unit is allegedly tasked with orchestrating assassination attempts, sabotage, and planning attacks on aviation infrastructure. Citing sources within Western intelligence agencies, the *Wall Street Journal* revealed that this secretive Russian unit operates both within Europe and beyond, conducting a range of clandestine activities.
The unit, known as the Department of Special Tasks, was established in 2023 in direct response to Western support for Ukraine. Its headquarters are situated at the main office of Russian military intelligence on the outskirts of Moscow. The unit is staffed by seasoned veterans of previous Russian covert operations, drawing on their expertise to execute its missions.
### Structure and Responsibilities
Referred to as SSD by Western intelligence services, the unit has assumed some responsibilities previously held by the FSB. It has also absorbed Unit 29155, which was allegedly involved in the 2018 attempted poisoning of Sergei Skripal in the UK. The SSD’s operations are extensive, encompassing assassinations, sabotage, and infiltration of Western companies and universities. Additionally, the unit is involved in recruiting and training foreign agents to further its objectives.
### Leadership and Strategic Objectives
The SSD is led by Colonel General Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov, with Lieutenant General Ivan Sergeyevich Kasianenko serving as his deputy. Averyanov is wanted by Czech authorities in connection with a 2014 ammunition depot explosion that resulted in two deaths. Kasianenko, suspected of involvement in the Skripal poisoning, previously operated in Tehran under diplomatic cover, where he facilitated the transfer of technology from Iran to Russia.
Intelligence sources indicate that Germany has emerged as a primary target for the SSD’s operations. Russia views Germany as a potential weak link within NATO, citing its reliance on Russian energy resources and the presence of pro-Russian sentiments within its society and political circles. This perception has made Germany a focal point for the unit’s activities.
### Current Activity and Strategic Shifts
American and European intelligence officials have observed that the SSD’s operations peaked in the summer of 2023 before experiencing a noticeable decline. Some European intelligence chiefs speculate that this slowdown may be a strategic move to create space for diplomatic negotiations with the future U.S. administration. This potential shift suggests that Russia may be balancing its covert operations with broader geopolitical considerations.
In summary, the establishment of the SSD underscores Russia’s continued focus on asymmetric tactics to counter Western influence. By leveraging experienced operatives and targeting perceived vulnerabilities within NATO, the unit represents a significant development in Russia’s intelligence strategy. However, the recent decline in its activities hints at a possible recalibration of tactics, potentially aligning with broader diplomatic goals.
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