Russia Intensifies Assassination Attempts on Opponents in Europe

Russian intelligence operations targeting opponents abroad have escalated since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Activist Vladimir Osechkin, living under police protection in France, has been specifically threatened, with a crew of Russian men reportedly surveilling him in April 2025. Other plots have been disrupted across Europe, including attempts against a Lithuanian supporter of Ukraine and a Ukrainian military official in Germany. The campaign is seen as part of Russia's broader strategy to undermine European nations supporting Ukraine, with intelligence officials noting a significant increase in targeted killings. Russian officials deny involvement in these assassination attempts. The situation reflects a dangerous trend of state-sponsored violence against dissidents and supporters of Ukraine.

Key Points: • Russian intelligence operations have ramped up since the 2022 Ukraine invasion. • Vladimir Osechkin and other activists are under direct threat from Russian operatives. • Western intelligence officials report a coordinated campaign of targeted killings across Europe.