Russia, Ukraine
Kyiv quietly fuming over Russian memorial to Soviet-era secret agent in Crimea

Japan, Russia
Fresh debate over remains of former Soviet spy reignites Kuril Islands dispute

The shadow of the unresolved conflict between Tokyo and Moscow over four islands in the Pacific has become a recurring theme in Russian-Japanese relations. This has led to a series of extremely high-profile public relations exercises by Moscow, which Washington is gradually becoming embroiled in.

The Intelligence Gazette
SVR, Tracfin, Romanian cyber, French prison intelligence

Russia
SVR awards artists' prize.

France
Tracfin places focus on transparency

US
Washington provides close cyber support to Romania

France
Prison intelligence struggling

Spotlight | Russia, Ukraine
Kyiv and Moscow weaponise citizenship in battle for influence

The "Centre", the headquarters of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency, has long used compatriots for intelligence or influence operations. Ukraine has in contrast relied little on its own nationals or descendants living abroad. But Volodymyr Zelensky now intends to exploit this precious resource.

Russia
NIIRK spymasters scrutinise Baltic and Central Asian countries via state media

NIIRK, the small scientific research centre made up of ex-KGB agents is making assessment of "communication flows" a central priority. It is examining these in the three Baltic countries and five Central Asian states where Moscow is trying to push its narratives using soft power tools, such as the Rossotrudnichestvo and state media outlets.

Russia
Next generation of Russian siloviki blocked by old guard

The Kremlin allowed its most powerful generals to stay on an extra 5 years beyond retirement age and is now looking to extend their careers even further on an ad hoc basis, dashing the prospects of younger officers.

Russia
Putin reaffirms trust in Alexander Linerts by keeping him on as head of GUSP

The man at the helm of Vladimir Putin's special programmes service, the GUSP, which handles any sensitive files not taken care of by the other services often with a focus on crisis management, has proven his worth to the Russian president.

Russia
SVR chief's parallel network

Sergei Naryshkin, President Vladimir Putin's long-standing ally and former chief of staff, has another less publicized role in addition to [...]