Publication
Mapping Russia’s covert low-level agent networks in Europe
In this article, Bart Schuurman analyses how Russia relies on low-level agents to support covert operations against European states backing Ukraine, based on a dataset of 145 individuals involved in sabotage, arson and other disruptive activities across Europe.
- Author
- Bart Schuurman
- Date
- 21 May 2026
- Links
- Read the full article
The research shows that low-level agents are predominantly male and typically in their mid-thirties, with Ukrainians, Russians, Moldovans and Bulgarians significantly overrepresented. More than one-third of the agents analysed were involved in multiple operations, while over a quarter operated across several countries, indicating that these operatives are not merely disposable assets.
Using social network analysis, the article demonstrates that Russian covert networks are highly hierarchical and compartmentalised. Intelligence officers appear to operate through handlers and intermediaries to maintain plausible deniability, although inconsistent operational security sometimes exposes direct links between operatives and Russian intelligence services. The study also highlights the prominent role of encrypted communication platforms such as Telegram in recruitment and coordination.
The findings contribute to a growing understanding of an evolving European security threat and underline the importance of cross-border cooperation and targeted prevention strategies.
Read the full article via Taylor & Francis Online