Russia's secret intelligence unit: A new Western threat
According to reports from the "Wall Street Journal," Russia has established a new intelligence unit aimed at conducting covert operations targeting Western countries. The unit is responsible for assassination attempts, sabotage activities, and planning attacks on aviation infrastructure.
The American newspaper "Wall Street Journal," citing sources in Western intelligence services, disclosed the existence of a new secret Russian intelligence unit. This unit conducts a series of clandestine operations both within Europe and beyond its borders.
The Department of Special Tasks, as this new formation is called, was established in 2023 in response to Western countries' support of Ukraine. The unit's headquarters are located at the main office of the Russian military intelligence on the outskirts of Moscow. Experienced veterans of previous Russian covert operations serve within its ranks.
Structure and competences of the unit
The unit, referred to by Western services as SSD, has taken over some competences from the FSB. Unit 29155 was also integrated into its structure, which, according to Western services, was responsible for the attempted poisoning of Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom in 2018.
The activities of SSD include a wide range of operations, such as carrying out assassinations and acts of sabotage outside Russia's borders. The unit also engages in infiltrating Western companies and universities, and conducts recruitment and training of foreign agents.
Leadership and strategic goals
The unit is led by Colonel General Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov and his deputy, Lieutenant General Ivan Sergeyevich Kasianenko. Averyanov is wanted by Czech law enforcement in connection with an ammunition depot explosion in 2014, which resulted in two fatalities. Kasianenko, suspected of involvement in the Skripal poisoning, previously worked in Tehran under diplomatic cover, where he was involved in the transfer of technology from Iran to Russia.
According to information provided by intelligence sources, Germany has become the main target of SSD operations. Russia perceives this country as a potentially weak link within NATO structures due to its dependence on Russian energy resources and the presence of pro-Russian sympathies in German society and the political class.
American and European intelligence officials note that SSD's activity peaked last summer, after which it weakened. European intelligence chiefs suggest that the current slowdown in operations may be related to an attempt to create space for diplomatic talks with the future United States administration.
