The Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation—GRU—has formed a new structural unit designed to conduct sabotage operations in Europe.

The Wall Street Journal writes about it, citing information from Western intelligence agencies.

The Department of Special Tasks is based at the headquarters of the GRU on the outskirts of Moscow, a glass and steel building known as the Aquarium.

The unit was formed in 2023 and consists of experienced agents who have previously participated in serious operations, including the poisoning of Sergei Skripal in 2018.

It is headed by Colonel General Andrey Averyanov, a veteran of the Chechen wars who is wanted by Czech police for setting off an ammunition bomb in 2014.

His deputy, Lieutenant General Ivan Kasyanenko, coordinated operations not only against Western countries but also the activities of private military companies, such as the Wagner PMC, after the death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin.

The Special Tasks Department has three main tasks: organizing assassinations and sabotage abroad, infiltrating Western companies and institutions, and recruiting foreign agents.

The unit operates in Ukraine and other countries, including Serbia.

Many of their operations are aimed at weakening the West in response to its support for Ukraine.

One of the most high-profile incidents was the use of incendiary devices on DHL cargo planes, as well as attempted arson attacks in European cities, including Leipzig and Warsaw.

The European Union and the United States have already imposed sanctions on some members of the Russian State Security Service, accusing them of organizing coups, murders, and cyberattacks.

The Kremlin has denied the accusations, calling them groundless. Meanwhile, Western intelligence agencies are calling for increased counterintelligence activities and covert operations to counter the Russian threat, especially on Russian soil.