Kremlin preparing large-scale provocation with civilian casualties, intelligence says
The location could be a “religious building or another symbolic site in Russia or in territories of Ukraine that are temporarily occupied”.
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Moscow plans a large-scale provocation during the Christmas holidays. / © Associated Press
Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has warned that the Kremlin is continuing a special operation aimed at disrupting US-brokered peace talks.
The warning was issued in a statement by the Foreign Intelligence Service.
“We assess with high probability that Russia will move from manipulative influence to an armed provocation carried out by its special services, resulting in significant human casualties. The expected timing is on the eve of, or during, the celebration of Christmas according to the Julian calendar. The provocation may be staged at a religious site or another location with high symbolic value, either in Russia or in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories,” the statement said.
To fabricate evidence of Ukraine’s alleged involvement, the plan envisages the use of fragments of Western-made strike drones, which would be delivered to the site of the provocation from the line of contact.
“The Putin regime has repeatedly used this tactic inside Russia, and this same model is now being exported abroad, which is indirectly confirmed by public statements from senior Russian officials,” the agency added.