Estonia Expels Russian National Over Hybrid Attack Plot
Authorities in Estonia deported Andrey Zhuravlev, a Russian Federation citizen with a residence permit, after the Security Police concluded he was being cultivated by Moscow's special services via social media to gather intelligence in the strategic Ida-Virumaa region.
- —Estonia has deported a Russian Federation citizen, Andrey Zhuravlev, based on a proposal from the Security Police (Kapo).
- —Estonian authorities believe Zhuravlev was intended to be used by Russian special services to gather intelligence in the Ida-Virumaa region.
- —Kapo stated that such activities can be part of preparations for hybrid attacks, citing experience from Estonia and other countries.
- —The deportation aims to disrupt Russian special services' activities and prevent potential severe consequences.
- —Zhuravlev held a residence permit in Estonia but spent most of his time in Russia, and contact with him was maintained via social media applications.
Recap
Estonia's deportation of Andrey Zhuravlev is a clear signal of its low tolerance for Russian intelligence activities. The action goes beyond a simple immigration enforcement, functioning as a proactive disruption of a potential hybrid warfare operation before it could materialize. By citing the link between intelligence gathering and future sabotage, Tallinn is publicly reinforcing its security posture to both Moscow and its NATO allies, demonstrating a strategy of preemptive counter-intelligence.