GRU Unit 29155
Unit 29155 is a Russian military intelligence unit believed, according to The New York Times, to be behind assassination attempts and other activities aimed at destabilizing Europe.[1]
The Unit is thought to have operated in secret for at least a decade, though it was only recently uncovered by Western intelligence officials.[1]
Activities
Unit 29155 has been linked with an attempt to assassinate Sergei Skripal, a former spy from Russia's GRU living in Britain, in 2018. It has also been implicated in a failed coup in Montenegro.[2]
The units effectiveness has been described as being "messy" either not completing the mission and/or leaving behind evidence as to who did it.[1] The unit operates on a low budget.[1]
Make-up
The Unit is made up of various officers, some of whom fought in Russia's wars in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Ukraine.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Schwirtz, Michael (8 October 2019). "Top Secret Russian Unit Seeks to Destabilize Europe, Security Officials Say". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- ^ a b Yilek, Caitlin (8 October 2019). "Unit 29155: Secret Russian intelligence unit trying to destabilize Europe". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 9 October 2019.