The Wall Street Journal, citing sources within Western intelligence agencies, has reported that Russian state officials based in Vienna paid assassins for the murder of Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov.
Kuzminov had defected to Ukraine, taking with him a Mi-8 helicopter.
According to the WSJ report, over ten officials from Austria, other European countries, and the United States, have indicated that Vienna has become a central hub for clandestine Russian operations. These activities include coordinating financial and logistical support for assassinations, sabotage, and recruitment across Europe.
Rising Presence of Russian Officials in Austria
Intelligence sources in Austria have revealed that the number of Russian officials in the country has increased from approximately 400 to over 500 in the past two years. Around half of these officials are diplomats or have managerial functions, while the other half are believed to be spies.
After the closure of the Russian consulate in Munich, several Russian officials, including suspected spies, relocated to Austria.
Russian diplomatic missions in Vienna operate from around 40 buildings, many equipped with various surveillance apparatus on their rooftops.
Suspected Surveillance of Western Military Aid to Ukraine
Western intelligence agencies suspect that Russian operatives in Austria are involved in monitoring the logistics of Western military aid to Ukraine.
It is alleged that Russian officials in Vienna paid assassins who killed Kuzminov. Kuzminov had collaborated with Ukraine, defecting with a Mi-8 helicopter in exchange for a substantial reward, and was later found dead in Spain.
Cash Transfers and Diplomatic Immunity
Austrian intelligence reports suggest that Russia transfers large sums of cash to Austria by land.
These funds are then distributed across Europe by Russian “diplomats” using personal belongings that police are unable to inspect due to diplomatic immunity.
Political Response and Security Measures
An anonymous Austrian intelligence source admitted, “We are becoming a problem for our neighbours because Russia is using us as an operational base.”
Opposition lawmaker Stephanie Krisper, a member of the relevant parliamentary committee, has urged the Austrian government to end its “extremely dangerous inaction” regarding Russian spies, arguing that it undermines efforts to weaken Russian influence in Europe.
The Austrian Ministry of the Interior maintains that Austria remains one of the safest countries, citing the effectiveness of its security structures.
A ministry spokesperson confirmed that they are aware of the threat posed by Russian spies and influence operations and are addressing these threats within the legal framework.
Legal Context of Espionage in Austria
In Austria, espionage is not illegal unless it is directed against the country itself.
The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson stated that Vienna would support the expulsion of diplomats who break the law, provided there is sufficient evidence.
This week, former Austrian intelligence officer Egisto Ott, who was arrested in March on suspicion of espionage, was released after several months in custody.
Image: Ukranews
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