Title: Russian Influence Grips Ukraine Amidst Political and Espionage Concerns
Subtitle: President Zelensky faces criticism for insufficient action against pro-Russian figures and inadequate efforts to curb Russian espionage
KYIV—The impact of Russia’s aggressive military action against Ukraine has been widely acknowledged around the globe. However, a more insidious threat has largely gone unnoticed outside the country: a sprawling network of Russian agents has covertly infiltrated all aspects of Ukrainian society, from the parliament to television networks.
According to Serhiy Taruta, a former governor of Donetsk and current lawmaker, President Zelensky has not done enough to remove pro-Russian political figures from positions of power. Taruta fears that increased efforts to streamline intelligence gathering may inadvertently lead to further infiltration by Russian agents. Although the Russian espionage tactics have become more subtle, they remain as dangerous as ever.
One high-profile case involved Nestor Shufrych, a lawmaker who was arrested on suspicion of treason by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in September. During a raid on Shufrych’s property, the SBU discovered a collection of pro-Kremlin memorabilia, including vintage weapons and military uniforms from the Russian empire and Soviet eras. Shufrych, who also owned a television channel, is accused of being a mouthpiece for President Putin and working for an alleged spymaster.
The U.S. had previously sanctioned Vladimir Sivkovich, the ex-deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, for his ties to the FSB and his involvement in influence operations. Sivkovich allegedly aimed to convince Kyiv to cede Crimea to Russia and sought to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential elections in favor of then-President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian intelligence has been successful in catching Russian spies, including members of the Ukrainian security services accused of passing state secrets and influencing personnel decisions. However, there is a long road ahead in dismantling the extensive network of Russian influence within Ukraine’s establishment and media.
Yurii Butusov, the editor-in-chief of Censor.net, an independent outlet investigating corruption and espionage in Kyiv, claims that the network of Russian agents is pervasive, with individuals even embedded within mainstream media. Several television channels owned by Putin’s alleged puppets, including Shufrych, Medvechuk, and Muraiev, had licenses until earlier this year. The daily news broadcast “United News” was put together by a unified team of TV producers, some of whom previously propagated pro-Russian propaganda.
Corruption fighters emphasize that Ukraine still has a long way to go in severing the tentacles connecting its authorities to the Kremlin. Concerns have been raised about Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, and his alleged ties to Russia. The director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, Daria Kaleniuk, refuses to attend events sponsored by Ukrainian oligarchs and media magnates, fearing the whitewashing of Russia’s influence.
Taruta also expresses concerns about proposed legislation that would grant extensive powers to the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection to access and control cybersecurity in Ukraine. Critics argue that concentrating such power within one institution, without proper checks and balances, resembles Russia’s control of the internet through the FSB.
Ivan Pietukhov, president at Adamant, one of Ukraine’s oldest internet and telecommunications companies, suspects that the new law may be intentionally designed for misuse by Russian agents strategically positioned within Ukraine. He calls for the investigation of lawmakers from pro-Russian parties. Oleg Chernobai, head of Ukraine’s association of lawyers, warns against granting excessive power to a single government department, as it could compromise the confidentiality of defense lawyers’ clients’ data.
As President Zelensky attempts to combat the Russian octopus strangling Ukraine, there is concern that his actions may inadvertently facilitate the growth of its tentacles.
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