--- title: "BBC World Service documentary sheds light on Russian saboteurs" url: https://noti.group/bbc-world-service-documentary-sheds-light-on-russian-saboteurs/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-19T00:06:25.000Z updated: 2026-10-19T10:56:36.938Z id: 1060bb37-2209-4b59-9a58-4948ffa819df source: "BBC News World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6pwgzkj8zzgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/bbc-world-service-documentary-sheds-light-on-russian-saboteurs/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # BBC World Service documentary sheds light on Russian saboteurs Secret operations targeting Russia's military assets and personnel from within its own borders have been revealed by two individuals claiming to work for Ukraine's intelligence services. According to an exclusive report, one of these men, who has chosen to remain anonymous but will be referred to as Ivan, claims to have played a crucial role in Ukrainian drone attacks on strategic bombers and munitions factories inside Russia. Ivan features in a BBC World Service documentary that delves into the shadowy world of Russian saboteurs. The documentary also sheds light on the activities of another individual, Foma, a Russian living in exile in Poland who has established a network of undercover volunteers within Russia. Foma's operation is said to be focused on gathering intelligence on high-level military officers targeted by Ukraine's GUR (military intelligence service), and he stresses that his team does not directly participate in any attacks. However, Foma did confirm that they had provided the Ukrainians with information about Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, who was assassinated in Moscow in December last year. While there have been previous reports of Russian sabotage groups, it is rare to gain access to someone like Ivan, who claims to be operating on the ground and providing alleged details about his activities. The GUR has confirmed that both Ivan and Foma are working for the agency, but acknowledges that it cannot fully verify their accounts. Both the GUR and these individuals have been cautious in sharing information about their operations, making it difficult to confirm or deny the claims made by Ivan and Foma, leaving questions unanswered about the extent of such activities within Russia. The tactics employed by Ivan and Foma have been acknowledged by Ukrainian authorities, who claim to be conducting co-ordinated drone attacks on legitimate targets inside Russia. These operations are part of a broader strategy that Kyiv has revealed in recent months. While Ukraine never officially admits or claims responsibility for targeted attacks, a Ukrainian intelligence officer has previously confirmed to the BBC that his country was behind the killing of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov in December 2024. The use of secret agents by Ukraine is a significant component of its operations inside Russia. These individuals are tasked with gathering intelligence and carrying out missions on behalf of Kyiv. However, it remains difficult to confirm the exact number of Russians working for Ukraine in this capacity. Estimates vary widely, with Foma suggesting that there may be as many as 300-500 individuals involved. The scope of Ukraine's operations inside Russia is not limited to drone attacks and targeted killings. According to Ivan, his work involved conducting surveillance on military sites and identifying potential locations to hide drone components. This preparation was intended to facilitate future attacks on Russian assets, which could have significant consequences for the country's military capabilities. Ivan's comments on the impact of these operations are revealing, as he suggests that they are aimed at hastening the downfall of President Vladimir Putin's regime. He believes that Russia's war in Ukraine is closely tied to the stability of Putin's rule, and that a loss in Ukraine would be a significant blow to his authority. The involvement of Russian citizens in Ukraine's operations raises questions about the extent to which these individuals are motivated by opposition to the war or to Putin's regime more broadly. While Ivan and Foma claim to be opposed to both, it is unclear how widespread this sentiment is among those working with Ukraine. The activities of Ivan and Foma, as well as other Russians working on behalf of Ukraine, have significant implications for Russia's national security and the stability of Putin's rule. As these individuals continue to carry out their missions, attention will likely focus on the consequences of their actions for both Ukraine and Russia. The tactics of Foma's operation are shrouded in secrecy, but one thing is clear: he has a keen understanding of Russia's military infrastructure. A video sent to his associate Mamon showed him apparently hiding explosives near a Russian airfield, highlighting the potential consequences of being caught. Foma claims to have operated within the Russian elite before turning against them, and this experience has given him access to valuable insider information. He uses this knowledge to train his volunteers in Russia online, teaching them how to trail senior military officials marked for surveillance. The training sessions are meticulous, with Foma providing detailed files on each target, including their personal details, vehicle information, and other relevant data. His instructions also emphasize the importance of discretion, warning his volunteers not to use phones while conducting surveillance. Foma's network spans multiple countries, with approximately three dozen individuals split between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. Those outside Russia provide logistical support, tracking targets' digital footprints and helping to identify vulnerabilities in the system. To gain a deeper understanding of their targets, Foma's team uses advanced mapping techniques to visualize military infrastructure. This database, which he shared with Mamon on his laptop, highlights storage warehouses, military units, and even the residences of high-ranking officials. By studying these maps, Foma believes they can identify weak points in Russia's military system, allowing them to aim for strategic targets that will have a significant impact. His methods may be unconventional, but Foma is convinced that this approach is necessary to bring about change from within. Foma's team is meticulous in their research before deciding whether to collaborate with a target or not. They thoroughly verify the data on the individual before making a decision. This methodical approach allows them to assess the potential risks and benefits of working with someone. According to Foma, his team's actions are justified by the desire to bring accountability to those who carry out violent acts in Ukraine on behalf of Putin and Russia. He wants these individuals to understand that they will be held responsible for their actions, and that they should fear consequences. Foma emphasizes that his network only provides intelligence to the Ukrainians and does not engage in assassinations themselves. This approach allows them to maintain a level of deniability while still contributing to the efforts against Russian interests. The team's focus on providing accurate information is evident in the way they gather and analyze data. Foma shared an example with Mamon, recounting the effort it took to track Gen Sarvarov before his assassination in December 2025. The general had a complex schedule, constantly changing his plans and covering his tracks. When Ivan was questioned about his involvement in sabotage operations, he remained tight-lipped. However, further investigation by military intelligence contacts suggested that Ivan might have been involved in a plot to target Russia's largest military drone factory at Yelabuga in June last year. Ivan stressed the importance of avoiding harm to civilians during operations, highlighting the risks faced by those involved in these activities. He shared a personal anecdote about being stopped for inspection while carrying handmade explosives, narrowly avoiding detection and potential serious consequences. The operatives involved in sabotage work within Russia often operate independently of each other, without a clear structure or chain of command. This is done as a precautionary measure to avoid detection by Russian authorities, who closely monitor individuals suspected of anti-Putin activities. Foma, another individual involved in similar operations, has also implemented this approach with his team, believing that gathering people in groups would increase the risk of being caught. According to Foma, even online communication can be a threat, and operatives are advised not to leave digital footprints or engage in group chats that could raise suspicions. The scarcity of suitable individuals for such work is another challenge faced by those involved in sabotage operations within Russia. The handler's admission raises questions about Ivan's true loyalty and whether he might be working for both sides. The possibility of duress or coercion is a concern, as it could compromise the entire operation. Foma offers a nuanced perspective on Ivan's freedom to travel, suggesting that there are vulnerabilities in Russia's governance system that can be exploited by those who know where to look. He likens this situation to a mouse navigating through holes in a piece of cheese, highlighting the complexity of operating within Russia's borders. Ivan had provided Marcin with advance warning about a major attack on strategic bombers at Russian airfields, but he never specified when or where it would occur. This information was shared over a year before the devastating strike by Ukrainian drones, which involved more than 100 aircraft. The weight of fear is a constant companion for Ivan, who acknowledges its presence even in moments of inaction. Despite this burden, he remains hopeful that his circumstances will eventually change and that a better future awaits him outside of Russia's shadowy world. --- Source: [BBC News World](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6pwgzkj8zzgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/bbc-world-service-documentary-sheds-light-on-russian-saboteurs/