Belarus
Minsk security agencies compete for attention amid fears for their futures

Russia
Russian military intel posing behind false flags to recruit sleeper agents in France

In anticipation of a possible escalation of its 'hybrid warfare' tactics on European territory, the GU is extending its campaign to recruit sources and destabilisation agents. The service is now targeting French security institutions.

Belarus
KGB extends control over ideological dissent as election frenzy builds

Tasked by President Alexander Lukashenko to further crack down on dissenting voices within government and state-owned entities, the intelligence agency has been culling staff in key organisations using new methods of investigation.

Belarus
Lukashenko removes top Belarusian military commanders

The Belarusian presidency carried out a series of personnel changes among its military top brass over the summer. Hidden among them were two sackings that stem from the failure of GRU efforts to infiltrate the opposition in exile.

Belarus
Belarus KGB steps up attacks on dissidents' armed wing

Minsk's intelligence services have launched a barrage of increasingly sophisticated attacks on Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's government in exile, notably targeting her "defence minister", the KGB's bête noire.

Belarus
Belarusian opposition shaken by infiltration accusations

More powerless than ever against Alexander Lukashenko who has tightened his grip on power following recent events, Belarusian dissidents in exile are facing increasingly detailed accusations of collusion with Minsk intelligence.

Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
Moscow signals operational purpose for its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus

Western and Ukrainian military intelligence services are scrutinising the deployment of Russian nuclear warheads in Belarus, as military escalation in Ukraine continues to unwind. The fragments of information available so far indicates that Moscow is preparing those weapons for offensive, rather than deterrent, use.

Belarus
Belarusian border guards change chief as crisis brews

Lukashenko has replaced one of his most loyal security lieutenants, Anatoly Lappo, at the head of the State Border Committee as tensions rise at the country's borders. He has been replaced by Konstantin Molostov whose background reflects Minsk's short-term strategic thinking.

Belarus
Loyal lieutenant Nikolai Karpenkov prepares for post-Lukashenko

Acting on persistent rumours of President Alexander Lukashenko's possible replacement, his faithful security chief and deputy interior minister colonel Karpenkov has been rallying his network of journalists and experts to broadcast messages of support for the leader and preferred succession scenarios.

The Intelligence Gazette
French watchdog seeks greater remit, Ukraine's GUR, intel master's degree changes venue, KGB and FSB cross swords

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week, we bring news from Paris, Kyiv and Minsk.

France CNCTR wants dibs on sovereignty files

Ukraine Budanov's deputy moves into the limelight

France Intel degree moves from Toulon to Saint-Cyr military academy

Russia/Belarus FSB and KGB bicker at the border

Belarus, Russia
Russia's Rosvgardia trains new elite units in Minsk

Belarus's powerful deputy interior minister and Commander of the Belarusian Internal Troops Nikolai Karpenkov launched a collaboration with the Russian National Guard in January which is now in full swing.

Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
Strategic disinformation over troops' movements in Belarus intensify on all sides

Belarusian troop movements and declarations from generals from Minsk to Kyiv are sowing confusion over Russia and Ukraine's actual intentions. When read from a certain angle, however, they also offer clues as to their respective strategic positions.

Belarus, Russia
Russia accelerates use of Belarus as rear training base

The recent troop movements on Ukraine's northern border illustrate Russia's use of Belarus as a training ground for its new recruits, and its aims to influence how the Belarusian command trains its own personnel.

Belarus
Power-struggles cause turmoil in Minsk security circles

Smear campaigns, orchestrated leaks and a coup plot: with Belarus' role in the war in Ukraine in the balance, the country's political and security elite have been struggling to have President Alexander Lukashenko's ear and the support of the intelligence services.

Spotlight | Belarus, Syria
Minsk makes murky play to become first EU migrant smuggler

From Damascus, Minsk has constructed a web of a dozen travel agencies which recruit migrants who are eventually taken to EU borders. This is taking place against a background of rejuvenated diplomatic activity in the Middle East by Lukashenko who is keen to renew ties with his longstanding Syrian ally.