The head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, accused the United Kingdom of sponsoring sabotage operations on Russian territory during a meeting of security chiefs from CIS countries in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 16, 2025. According to Russian media, Bortnikov claimed there is “credible evidence” that attacks and sabotage in Russia were carried out under the “patronage of British intelligence” RIA Novosti.
Alleged UK involvement in drone attacks and pipeline operations
Bortnikov further implicated NATO intelligence agencies in drone attacks across Europe, asserting that “professionals have no doubt about NATO involvement.” He specifically cited Ukraine’s “Web” operation as allegedly conducted under British intelligence supervision just before Ukrainian-Russian talks in Istanbul. He claimed that SAS and MI6 instructors helped plan drone strikes on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium and coordinated sabotage against the TurkStream gas pipeline with Ukrainian forces.
Propaganda and disinformation narrative
The FSB chief argued that the UK has fueled fears of an “Eastern threat,” linking incidents of supposed Russian drones over EU territory to NATO intelligence actions. He added that London spearheaded efforts against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, including attempts to block Russian ships in the Baltic and Kaliningrad. Bortnikov also claimed that British intelligence plans to deploy combat swimmers to target Russian critical infrastructure in coordination with Ukrainian special forces.
Strategic context and Kremlin messaging
Analysts note that Bortnikov’s statements follow a long-standing Russian propaganda pattern portraying the West—particularly the UK—as the primary instigator of anti-Russian operations. By framing Ukraine as a tool of Western intelligence, Moscow shifts responsibility for its own military aggression onto the “collective West.” Such narratives can serve as the foundation for further disinformation campaigns, creating doubt about reports of Russian drone activity, sabotage, or attacks on European infrastructure.
Internal and external implications
The rhetoric also reinforces domestic messaging, presenting Russia as a “fortress under siege” and mobilizing public support amid ongoing military challenges. By attributing setbacks to a global NATO conspiracy, the Kremlin justifies prolonged conflict and high casualties while attempting to sow discord among European and NATO partners. Bortnikov’s claims aim to portray the UK as acting aggressively and independently, potentially undermining Western unity in response to Russia’s actions.
FSB accusations highlight Moscow’s continued use of hybrid warfare tactics, blending real and fabricated threats to obscure its own operations, discredit opponents, and shape both domestic and international perceptions.
