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A recent investigation published by the US newspaper The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has caused a wave of concern among international observers. According to the report, the Russian Federation has created a new secret intelligence service called the Department of Special Tasks (DST), based at the headquarters of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces in Moscow.
The WDS is allegedly focused on operations outside Russia, including subversive activities and assassination attempts. Among the incidents mentioned are the attempted assassination of Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, fire attacks on DHL parcels, and a fire at the Diehl plant in Berlin. According to the WSJ, the WDS also controls the activities of the private military company Wagner in Africa.
According to WSJ sources, this service operates under the direct supervision of Vladimir Putin, although it is not required to seek his approval for each individual operation. It is important to note that the activity of the SDS has allegedly decreased recently, which may be due to diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the United States.
In response to the published allegations, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called them “absolutely unfounded”. However, the investigation highlights the growing tensions between Russia and the West, and highlights the security concerns of international corporations and governments that may be targeted by Russia’s newly created intelligence service.
