A BBC documentary report by journalist Marcin Mamon has provided a rare look into undercover sabotage operations inside Russia, coordinated alongside Ukraine's military intelligence service, known as GUR.
The report profiles two operatives, identified by the pseudonyms Ivan and Foma, who work to gather intelligence on Russian military assets and support operations aimed at weakening Russia's military capabilities.
Ivan, a former Russian political opposition activist, operates inside Russia, where he surveils military installations and places caches of explosives and drone components near strategic airfields and munitions factories.
Foma, a former member of the Russian elite living in exile in Poland, remotely trains and manages undercover networks in Russia. His network tracks military personnel and facilities, providing intelligence to Ukraine's GUR.
Drone components and military targets
Ivan secretly places caches containing explosives and drone assembly components across Russia. He said the components could be assembled into weapons capable of destroying expensive military assets.
"When these [drone] components are combined… it turns out a formidable weapon, which with a single blow can destroy an object that costs many, many millions of dollars," Ivan said.
Ivan was also likely involved in a strike on Russia's major military drone plant in Yelabuga, according to the report.
Foma uses insider contacts and digital databases to map military targets, including military units, storage warehouses and the homes of generals and strategic bomber pilots.
"In order to break the system, you need to understand how it works. Then you can aim for their weak points," Foma said.
His network provided intelligence on Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, who was subsequently killed in Moscow by a car bomb.
"Keeping track of him took quite an effort. He lived alternately with his mistress and his colleague. Covered his tracks and constantly changed his schedule," Foma said.
When assigning targets, Foma sends operatives detailed files containing photographs, vehicle information and personal data. He also issues instructions intended to reduce the risk of detection.
"When you go to the target, don't take a phone," he said.
Decentralised networks and security measures
The operatives use a decentralised structure to reduce the risk of mass arrests. They avoid centralised group structures and shared group chats, keeping their networks compartmentalised.
"As soon as you start gathering people in groups, in general chats… leaving a mark on the internet, with a high probability this whole group will be quickly detained or destroyed," Foma said.
The networks also use vetting procedures to assess the loyalty of potential operatives. These include lie detector tests conducted by Ukrainian agents in third countries.
Despite these measures, GUR handlers acknowledge the difficulty of establishing complete trust in intelligence operations.
"I'm not sure of anyone, except myself," one handler said.
Ivan's ability to travel into and out of Russia despite his opposition background was also addressed in the report.
"There are all sorts of holes in [the country's governance], and if you know them, or are just lucky, then you can jump through the holes… and live in the system. Like a mouse in a piece of cheese," Foma said.
Political objectives and personal risks
Both men oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin's government and believe that weakening Russia's military could accelerate political change.
"At the moment... I think the [Putin] regime might fall if they lose the war… Through our actions... we are trying to speed this up," Ivan said.
Foma said his team did not carry out assassinations directly but sought to make Russian military decision-makers fear the consequences of their actions in Ukraine.
"I want people who do terrible things on behalf of Putin and Russia in Ukraine… to understand that they'll have to pay for it. I want them to get scared," he said.
The operations expose participants to the risk of arrest and long prison sentences for terrorism. Ivan described a close call while transporting handmade explosives through a car inspection.
He also spoke about the psychological pressure of operating under constant threat.
"Fear is always present... It follows me everywhere. Even if you don't do anything, you're still afraid. This is Russia," Ivan said.
Despite the risks, he expressed confidence that Russia's political situation could eventually change.
"Putin won't live forever," he said.