After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia established a new elite secret unit called 'Center 795' for sabotage, kidnappings, and assassinations abroad, which was exposed due to a simple mistake during one of its operations.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the government has formed a new elite secret unit known as 'Center 795', tasked with conducting sabotage missions, kidnappings, and assassinations abroad. This unit was created in response to the ineffectiveness of a previous military intelligence group, '29155', which became too recognizable after a series of high-profile failed operations in Europe. Notably, this includes the infamous poisoning incident in Salisbury, UK, in 2018.
The establishment of 'Center 795' signifies an escalation in Russia's covert operations beyond its borders, particularly against Kremlin adversaries. According to reports from influential media platforms like Germany’s 'Der Spiegel' and the investigative portal 'The Insider', this newly formed unit operates directly under the command of General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian armed forces' General Staff. Its formation highlights the Kremlin's ongoing strategic adjustments in the wake of significant military operations in Ukraine.
However, the unit's intentions were called into question when one of its operations failed due to a trivial oversight. This misstep has brought scrutiny to the effectiveness and operational security of 'Center 795'. As Russia aims to expand its psychological and physical reach against perceived threats, this incident reveals vulnerabilities within its elite military structures, possibly impacting future covert operations and strategic decisions made by the Russian leadership.
