A BBC World Service documentary has provided rare firsthand accounts from two Russian men claiming to conduct sabotage operations for Ukraine’s military intelligence service, known as the GUR. The individuals, identified as Ivan and Foma for security purposes, have described their respective roles in what they characterize as efforts against Russian military targets and personnel.
Ivan states he has participated in surveillance activities and preparation work related to Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian military infrastructure. He claims to have hidden drone components and explosives near military facilities, work he acknowledges could result in terrorism charges and lengthy imprisonment if discovered. The GUR has confirmed both men work for the agency, though officials acknowledge limitations in their ability to fully verify all activities.
Foma, a Russian living in exile in Poland, operates a network he describes as numbering between 300 and 500 volunteers within Russia and other locations. His work involves training undercover operatives in surveillance techniques and maintaining databases of military targets. Following the assassination of Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov in December of last year, Foma acknowledged providing intelligence on the officer to Ukrainian authorities, though he emphasized his network does not participate in attacks themselves. He stated his team verifies independently that surveillance targets meet criteria they consider appropriate.
Both men express opposition to the Putin regime and believe Ukrainian military actions are justified responses to Russian conduct. Ukrainian authorities have publicly acknowledged employing drone attacks and secret agents for operations inside Russia, though they maintain a policy of neither officially admitting nor claiming responsibility for specific targeted killings. A previous Ukrainian intelligence officer confirmed to the BBC involvement in the killing of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov in December 2024.
The documentary, produced by independent Polish journalist Marcin Mamon, notes significant limitations in verifying the claimed activities. Ukrainian intelligence officials themselves expressed skepticism regarding reliability, with one handler stating uncertainty about trustworthiness beyond himself. The broad operational tactics described align with strategies Ukraine has publicly acknowledged employing, though specific details remain unconfirmed.
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