A suspected Russian sabotage operation targeting Western allies of Ukraine has come under intense scrutiny following a Polish-led investigation into a string of parcel fires across Europe. Explosive devices, hidden inside seemingly innocuous items like massage pillows, fake cosmetics, and even sex toys, were sent via courier services in the UK, Germany, and Poland last summer. Investigators discovered that these crude but potentially deadly devices used magnesium-based explosives, timed detonators sourced from cheap Chinese trackers, and flammable gel disguised in cosmetic tubes. Authorities have since linked the operation to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.
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Although no casualties were reported, officials described the attacks as a trial run for a broader campaign intended to disrupt Western support for Ukraine. European intelligence agencies view the incidents as part of a larger “hybrid war” effort by Moscow, which includes cyberattacks, espionage, and arson. Four suspects were arrested in Poland in November, accused of engaging in terrorist or sabotage activities on behalf of foreign intelligence. The parcels were believed to be intended for cargo flights bound for North America, with the potential for devastating consequences had the plot succeeded in mid-air.
Russia has denied any involvement, calling the accusations “fake news” and dismissing them as “a manifestation of blind Russophobia.” Despite these denials, European security services have warned of an increasing threat from Russian intelligence, including attempts to damage critical infrastructure such as undersea cables. In the UK, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum accused Russia’s GRU of pursuing increasingly reckless acts of sabotage since the invasion of Ukraine, stating that operations involving arson and disruption were becoming more common.
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One of the central figures in the alleged plot is Vladyslav D, a 27-year-old Ukrainian national, accused of executing the dry run across Europe under the direction of a GRU handler known only as “Warrior.” According to Polish prosecutors, he transported the devices from Lithuania, prepared the packages, and passed them to an associate for mailing. A fourth parcel that failed to detonate provided investigators with critical evidence. Vladyslav has denied the charges. Another suspect, a Russian national named Alexander, was extradited from Bosnia and charged with assisting the plot, although he, too, denies any involvement.
