Russian shadow unit SSD intensifies cyber threat across Europe
Foreign media are reporting on a new Russian spy unit conducting sabotage, cyberattacks, and assassinations in Europe. "The unit often targets countries that support Ukraine or oppose Russia," says Dr Lance Hunter, an intelligence expert.
What do you need to know?
- The new SSD spy unit was established in 2023 and operates within Russian military intelligence.
- SSD is responsible for a range of covert operations, including failed assassinations and cyber-attacks aimed at destabilising the West.
- The Kremlin denies any connections to SSD, although the unit is linked to numerous attacks on targets in Europe.
According to "The Sun," the new Russian spy unit, SSD, was created in 2023 in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Dr Lance Hunter, an intelligence expert from Augusta University, describes SSD as KGB 2.0, formed based on various Russian intelligence agencies. SSD operates from the GRU headquarters in Moscow, known as "The Aquarium," and is responsible for sabotage operations and cyberattacks.
Putin's spy unit. What are the objectives of SSD?
SSD engages in activities aimed at destabilising the West. The unit is associated with assassination attempts, including one targeting the CEO of a German arms company, and plans to place explosives on DHL aeroplanes. "The SSD is made up of well-trained operators and undercover agents who are selected based on their ability to maneuver secretly in other countries," said Dr Hunter in an interview with The Sun. "The unit often targets countries that support Ukraine or oppose Russia, including military assets, political dissidents, and infrastructure," he added.
The newspaper reports that SSD is led by Colonel Andrei Averyanov, whose name is already well-known in espionage circles.
What does this mean for the West?
James Appathurai from NATO warns that Russia perceives itself to conflict with the 'collective West' and acts according to this belief. SSD, which has taken over the functions of other Russian intelligence agencies such as the FSB and GRU, employs modern techniques, including cyber warfare and sabotage. Dr Hunter emphasises that Russia's successes in Ukraine could influence how SSD is used to project power worldwide.
The Kremlin has denied any involvement in SSD operations.
