In a chilling development, Russia's campaign of targeted assassinations against opponents in Europe has intensified since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This alarming trend, confirmed by Western intelligence officials, reveals a brazen and calculated strategy by Moscow to silence dissent and undermine European support for Ukraine.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the shift in Russia's approach. Traditionally, such operations were carried out by Russian intelligence officers, but now Moscow is utilizing a network of proxies, often with criminal backgrounds, to carry out these deadly missions. This change in tactics is a direct response to the expulsion of Russian diplomats and spies from Western nations after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in 2018.
One of the key targets of this campaign is Vladimir Osechkin, a Russian activist living under police protection in France since 2022. Osechkin's work investigating alleged Russian abuses in Ukraine and aiding military defectors has made him a prime target. In April 2025, a crew of Russian men staked out his home, taking videos and photos, in what appeared to be groundwork for an assassination attempt. Osechkin's story is a stark reminder of the very real and present danger faced by those who dare to speak out against the Kremlin.
Across Europe, similar plots have been uncovered and disrupted by law enforcement agencies. In Lithuania, for example, authorities foiled an attempt to kill Ruslan Gabbasov, an activist advocating for the independence of the Russian region of Bashkortostan. Gabbasov discovered an Apple AirTag tracker on his car, leading to the arrest of a would-be assassin near his home. Despite the threat, Gabbasov refuses to hide, believing that doing so would only play into Moscow's hands and silence his campaign for independence.
The use of proxies by Russia raises important questions about the nature of modern espionage and the challenges faced by Western intelligence agencies. While the majority of these plots have been thwarted, it is clear that Moscow is willing to use any means necessary to achieve its goals. As one Western intelligence official noted, even if an operation is thwarted, targets must remain vigilant, as the threat of a second strike is ever-present.
In my opinion, this campaign of targeted killings is not just about silencing individual voices but also about sending a broader message to European countries supporting Ukraine. By targeting Russian activists and foreign supporters of Ukraine, Russia aims to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, ultimately undermining European solidarity and resolve. It is a disturbing development that requires a unified and robust response from the international community.
