Russian Saboteurs Reveal Secret Operations Targeting Military Assets for Ukraine

OPA WIRE, Oct 19 (OPA) — Two Russian nationals, operating under the pseudonyms Ivan and Foma, have provided rare insights into their clandestine efforts to assist Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) from within Russia. Ivan, based inside the country, claims to have facilitated drone strikes against strategic bombers and munitions factories, while Foma, operating from exile in Poland, coordinates a network of volunteers tasked with surveilling high-level Russian military officials. Both men assert their actions are driven by opposition to President Vladimir Putin’s regime and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The scale of these operations remains difficult to verify, though the GUR has acknowledged the existence of such networks. Foma estimates that between 300 and 500 individuals are involved in these efforts. He admitted to providing intelligence that led to the assassination of Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov in December 2025, noting the high level of effort required to track the official. Ivan, meanwhile, described his role in scouting military sites and hiding drone components, stating, "When these components are combined… it turns out a formidable weapon, which with a single blow can destroy an object that costs many, many millions of dollars."

These activities represent a broader, acknowledged strategy by Kyiv to conduct coordinated strikes on legitimate military targets deep within Russian territory. While Ukraine maintains a policy of not officially claiming responsibility for specific assassinations, intelligence officers have previously confirmed involvement in high-profile killings. The networks utilize sophisticated digital tracking and physical surveillance, often operating with extreme caution to avoid detection by Russian security services, where capture would result in lengthy prison sentences for terrorism.

Looking ahead, the saboteurs believe their actions are essential to destabilizing the Kremlin’s grip on power. Ivan explicitly stated that the regime might collapse if Russia loses the war, and that his work is intended to accelerate that outcome. Despite the risks, the participants remain committed to their mission, aiming to instill fear in those they classify as military criminals. As the conflict continues, these shadowy networks highlight the internal vulnerabilities within Russia’s security apparatus and the evolving nature of asymmetric warfare.