2 hrs ago
US Charges Allege Russian Global Assassination Network Targeting Europe
US prosecutors say five people connected to Russian intelligence planned attacks and killings in several countries.
One alleged recruiter offered money to a US citizen to kill someone in Lithuania.
He also suggested setting fire to buildings and infrastructure in countries helping Ukraine.
In another plan, people allegedly tried to recruit someone in New York to make a Russian dissident in Washington disappear.
The people who were approached refused to carry out the killings.
The indictment says the alleged network wanted to hurt Russia’s critics and countries supporting Ukraine.
The five people charged are still free and have not been arrested.
The case may create pressure on the US government to respond to Russia.
The US Justice Department charged five people allegedly working for Russian intelligence services in attacks and assassination plots across Europe and the United States.
Prosecutors say former Russian intelligence officer Yuri Khrameev offered $25,000 to recruit a US citizen to kill someone in Lithuania’s capital.
Khrameev allegedly sought attacks on NATO-country infrastructure, including transport facilities and warehouses holding aid for Ukraine.
The indictment says Russian operatives also recruited a Brooklyn-based Venezuelan citizen to surveil and kill a Russian dissident in Washington for $40,000.
All five defendants remain at large, while the charges could challenge President Donald Trump’s conciliatory approach toward Russia.
- Who
- US prosecutors charged five people allegedly working for Russian intelligence services; the indictment also names former officer Yuri Khrameev and other alleged recruiters.
- What
- The defendants allegedly organized or attempted to organize assassinations, surveillance, arson and attacks on infrastructure in Europe and the United States.
- Where
- The alleged activities involved Lithuania, other European countries, and the United States, including New York and Washington.
- When
- The charges were unsealed late Tuesday; the alleged plots involved activity last year and this summer, according to the indictment.
- Why
- Prosecutors say the alleged operations targeted Russian dissidents and countries supporting Ukraine, and sought to threaten European and US security.
US Prosecutors’ Allegations
Russian Government Position
Nature of the operations
US Prosecutors’ Allegations
US prosecutors describe the defendants as part of a global assassination network acting at the Kremlin’s behest and say the alleged activity threatens US sovereignty and national security.
Russian Government Position
The article does not report a response or denial from the Russian government or the defendants.
Policy implications
US Prosecutors’ Allegations
The charges could support calls for a stronger US response, including possible sanctions, as occurred after the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal and his daughter.
Russian Government Position
The Trump administration had not said whether it would take action against Russia and was pursuing a conciliatory approach toward Vladimir Putin to encourage Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
Key facts
- Charges
- The US Justice Department unsealed charges against five people allegedly working for Russian intelligence services.
- Defendants’ status
- All five defendants remain at large, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
- Alleged recruitment payment
- Yuri Khrameev allegedly offered $25,000 for a killing in Lithuania’s capital.
- Alleged US assassination payment
- Recruiters allegedly offered $40,000 to make a Russian dissident in Washington disappear.
- Alleged targets
- The indictment describes Russian dissidents, infrastructure in NATO countries and warehouses holding aid for Ukraine as potential targets.
- US government response
- The Trump administration had not commented on whether it would take action against Russia when the article was published.
- Earlier related cases
- The article cites allegations and prosecutions involving Russia-linked attacks or plots in Germany, Poland, Estonia and the United Kingdom.
Quotes
John Eisenberg
Assistant US Attorney General for National Security.
“These defendants allegedly operated as part of a global assassination network that reached into the United States, attempting to recruit US citizens and foreigners to carry out killings at the behest of the Kremlin. Actions like these represent a gross violation of our sovereignty and a threat to our national security.”
livemint.com
“I am interested in all the countries that are helping Ukraine. Throw a bottle of gasoline at an electrical substation. Set fire to a warehouse of property or food. You’re looking for such objects yourself. You need to approach it creatively.”
livemint.com
Sources
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