Photo: Intelligence Agency of the People of Ukraine
Today, the Intelligence Agency of the People of Ukraine (IAP) announced in its official telegram channel that Russian triathlete Yelena Smirnova, who, as it turned out, worked for the Russian Federation’s special services, has been killed. The incident took place in the waters off the coast of Barcelona, where the athlete, according to official reports, died during a swimming training session.
“Confirmed!” – this short but eloquent word began the IAP report, which has already gained considerable attention in the Ukrainian and international media. Smirnova was not just a famous triathlete: according to the agency, she had close ties to the Russian secret services and carried out covert operations using her sporting status as a cover.
Details about the circumstances of her death remain unclear. According to the official version, Smirnova tragically died while swimming in the open sea off the Catalan coast, where thousands of athletes are known to train throughout the year. However, the IAP hints that this was far from an accident. Could her death have been the result of a specially planned operation? Ukrainian sources do not rule out this possibility, but are in no hurry to provide details.
The connection between a sportswoman’s professional career and her espionage activities raises many questions. The sports community is often used by intelligence services for tasks that are difficult for conventional agents to perform. Mobility, regular international travel and access to different environments make athletes ideal candidates for gathering information or performing special tasks.
Elena Smirnova was a multiple participant in international competitions, but her biography has not attracted much attention outside the sports community until now. However, since the IAP reported on her activities, it has become clear that sport was only a cover for her real work for the Russian secret services.
This case is yet another reminder that modern intelligence operates on a global scale, and espionage operations can take place in any environment – even among professional athletes. Athletes who are trusted by thousands of fans can be part of complex and dangerous international intrigues.
Will the investigation into this death continue in Spain? Will new details emerge about Smirnova’s activities in Europe? The international community is already paying attention to this case, and we can probably expect new statements and disclosures in the near future.
