Russia’s FSB and Ministry of Defense locked in intensifying conflict – Ukrainian intelligence
The ongoing conflict between two of
Russia's main security forces – the FSB security service and the
Defense Ministry – has escalated and is now in an “active phase,” Ukrainian
Military Intelligence spokesman Andrii Chernyak said in an interview with
RBC-Ukraine on June 29.
“Our assessments indicate that this has become an open conflict between the competing factions within the Kremlin,” said Chernyak.
“It's likely to result in physical eliminations of representatives from the competing side.”
Chernyak added that high-ranking Russian officials recognize that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s hold on power is slipping, and they are attempting to leverage this to increase their own influence.
"Putin is no longer able to maintain control or balance these factions; both the FSB and the Ministry of Defense recognize this as an opportunity to secure a political victory," he said.
Additionally, the intelligence official noted that the recent relocation of some Wagner mercenaries to Belarus does not currently pose a military threat to Ukraine.
“These forces are not under the control of the Russian Defense Ministry,” Chernyak concludes.
“The camps being set up in Belarus are for training of these Wagner mercenaries. However, we have no information suggesting any plans for an attack on Ukraine from Belarusian territory.”
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