British intelligence officers drew attention to the fact that photos of Russian operatives wearing patches with the inscription "SMERSH" have already appeared in open sources.
Restoration of the "SMERSH" unit in Russia: what is known
At the end of 2023, the Russian authorities officially announced the restoration of the Soviet counterintelligence unit "SMERSH".
It is essential to understand that the unit's name is an abbreviation of the Russian phrase "СМЕРть Шпионам!" [Death to Spies! — Ed]. It was founded by the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
In the times of the USSR, this unit existed during the years 1941-1946.
According to representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain, it has not yet been possible to find out whether the new name indicates any significant new capabilities in the role of Russian counterintelligence or whether it is just a name change.
Foreign intelligence officials also suggested that this could be considered as another evidence of how the Russian authorities are trying to portray the Russian-Ukrainian war as a repeat of the Second World War.
In addition, it is emphasised that Putin's team simulates the fight against the penetration of external threats into Russia.
British intelligence also warns of Russia's National Guard strengthening
According to British intelligence, Russia's National Guard began to improve its resources and personnel against the background of upheavals in Russia's internal security sphere, which was caused by the war with Ukraine.
From October 2023, the "Wagner Group" units became part of the Russia's National Guard, and on January 3, 2024 — the "Vostok" battalion from the so-called "DPR".
In addition, it was found that Russia concentrated on disbanding the group "Cascade", which specialises in using drones.
British intelligence reports that they also intend to subordinate him to the Russian Guard.
