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‘The rules have changed’: has Russia begun to order assassinations on US soil?
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Roman Dobrokhotov, a Russian dissident journalist, attended a conference in Washington DC despite threats against him by a Russian spy ring, highlighting growing fears for dissidents' safety on US soil.
- The US Department of Justice unsealed indictments against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of plotting assassinations worldwide, including a plan to kill a Russian dissident in Washington.
- This marks a significant breach of the longstanding "gentleman's agreement" between the US and Russia not to conduct assassinations on each other's soil, indicating a shift in Russian tactics and US-Russia espionage dynamics.
- Experts suggest the Kremlin may be underestimating the consequences of such actions, while the US is responding with increased public exposure of threats, enhanced protection for dissidents, and potential escalations in sanctions and intelligence cooperation.
- The revelations coincide with broader geopolitical tensions, including Russia's support for Iran, signaling a possible behind-the-scenes escalation between Washington and Moscow.
