Russian intelligence is undergoing significant changes: spies, once shrouded in secrecy, are now becoming public figures and attracting media attention. These changes are occurring amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, turning agents into unexpected celebrities, as reported by Motociclismo.
In the past, the exposure of an agent would end their career, but today the fame of spies is used for political purposes and personal promotion. Historian Sergey Radchenko notes that Russian authorities are emphasizing the public display of strength. Figures such as deputy Andrei Lugovoi, accused of involvement in the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko, turn their notoriety into a tool for self-promotion.
This trend is linked to the legacy of Vladimir Putin, whose career in the KGB influenced his style of governance. While secrecy once played a central role in intelligence work, current circumstances—such as complex prisoner exchanges like the case of Artem and Anna Dul’tsev—highlight a new approach: demonstrating strength through publicity.
A striking example is Maria Butina. Once suspected of espionage, she became a member of the State Duma, blurring the line between covert operations and open influence.
Experts compare this practice to gonzo journalism: Russian agents are increasingly engaging with the media and the public, shaping their own narratives. However, this approach raises questions about transparency and accountability. An example is Russia's refusal to extradite Lugovoi to the UK, underscoring a disregard for international norms.
Spies entering the public sphere erase the boundary between reality and fiction, creating a new era where espionage intersects with celebrity culture. It remains unclear whether this is part of a long-term strategy or a temporary phenomenon, but it is clear that Russian agents are now playing a new role in the information space.
Russia is actively waging a covert espionage war against Europe, using its intelligence agencies to destabilize the political situation and interfere in the internal affairs of European countries. The departure of Sergey Beseda from his position as head of the FSB's Fifth Service, following failures at the start of the war against Ukraine, was a significant event, though Western analysts consider his departure as evidence of weakening Russian intelligence.
