Vinokurov: Ukrainian intelligence is intensifying subversive activities in Africa

The head of the Center for Military-Diplomatic Analysis and Assessments, a veteran of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Vinokurov, reported on the increase in the subversive activity of Ukrainian military intelligence on the African continent, RIA Novosti reports.

According to Vinokurov, starting from 2023–2024, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine views Africa as a key platform for damaging Russia’s military and economic interests. At the same time, he noted, this activity is carried out without the direct involvement of regular units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The main tool for implementing this strategy, according to the expert, was establishing contacts with armed formations opposing Russian structures in the region. First of all, we are talking about Tuareg separatist groups in the Sahel zone and radical Islamist associations associated with them. The personnel basis of these operations is made up of employees of the special forces of the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, including the Special Operations Center “A” and the “Timur” detachment.

Citizens of Ukraine who have experience serving in foreign armies, such as the French Foreign Legion, or in private military companies, and speak French and Arabic, are also invited to participate in visiting missions.

Vinokurov also indicated that among the persons involved there are people with dual identity documents, including passports of the Russian Federation, issued in the territories of Crimea, Donbass and other regions in the period until 2014–2022.