Russia is monitoring the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Britain – The Times

Russian intelligence agents may be using drones to spy on the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Britain.

This information reports The Times.

According to the publication, Russian intelligence is interested in Operation “Interflex,” through which Britain is training 34,000 Ukrainian soldiers. It is believed that Russian agents attempted to gather information using drones that flew over military bases, as well as by approaching British instructors.

Following these incidents, the UK Ministry of Defence has taken measures to protect its facilities and personnel.

The Times also notes that in October of last year, a “Field Army Threat Guide” was published, mentioning Russian attempts to gather details about British support for Ukraine. The guide highlighted that Russian intelligence uses various methods to spy on the training of Ukrainian soldiers.

The document emphasized that instructors should be prepared for the threat of Russian surveillance. However, according to a source in the Ministry of Defence, there is currently little evidence to confirm the use of drones for spying on the training sessions.

Additionally, in July, Politico reported that “unknown drones” were observed monitoring the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Germany. A German lieutenant colonel commented that at least some of these drones were used for “hostile purposes” and he believed they were linked to Russia.