SVR

Russia, Ukraine
Russian influence activists got busy behind recognition of Donbas republics

The champions of Russia's protection of its "compatriots" - Russian-speaking descendants of the USSR that Moscow is trying to reconquer or keep in its cultural fold - were going all-out to support Moscow's latest moves in Ukraine.

The Intelligence Gazette
SVR, DNI, GKNB, Corinte, Paris and Chinese Intelligence

Appointments, reforms, and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community from London to Paris via Bishkek.

RussiaKremlin explores new foreign policy concept

United StatesSenator Scott Young enlists DNI communications director.

FranceFrench senators point to weak representation in international organisations.

KyrgyzstanBishkek's former spymaster to head embassy in Ukraine

FranceParis wants to join international scene of Chinese intelligence analysis

Kazakhstan
Fall of Nazarbayev's sons-in-law prompts restructuring of Kazakhstan's oil sector

The protests in Kazakhstan have had an impact on the energy sector, which has seen heads roll among those close to ex-president Nursultan Nazarbayev. Russia's SVR is keeping a close watch on proceedings.

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

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community from Moscow to Paris and Washington.

RussiaSVR awards artists' prize.

FranceTracfin places focus on transparency

USWashington provides close cyber support to Romania

FrancePrison intelligence struggling

Spotlight | China, Russia
Russian soft power ups ambitions in Central Asia for 2022

Moscow has grand plans for its networks of influence abroad over the coming year, starting with the need to maintain its declining dominance in Central Asia. But these ambitious goals could come up against the situation in Kazakhstan, where India, China and other powers are using their own approaches.

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.

Spotlight | Russia
Ex-SVR agent Yevgeny Fokin still covering for Oleg Deripaska in US

To distance EN+ from the bad rap taken by its founder Oleg Deripaska, his trusted associate Yevgeny Fokin is hashing out a communication strategy under the watchful eye of the group's chairman, former British minister Lord Barker.

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.

Kyrgyzstan, Russia
Afghan tensions affords Bishkek spymasters strategic regional role

Taking advantage of the renewed prominence of Central Asia following the Afghan outbursts, the Kyrgyz spymasters are seeking to consolidate their position and to assert the interests of Bishkek in the regional dynamics between Beijing, Islamabad and New Delhi.