Two Russian men, operating secretly within Russia and abroad, have provided rare accounts of alleged sabotage and intelligence-gathering operations for Ukraine's military intelligence service (GUR) against Russian military targets. The men, identified as Ivan, who claims to have facilitated Ukrainian drone attacks from within Russia, and Foma, who runs a network of volunteers in Russia for surveillance, have spoken out in a BBC World Service documentary.

These revelations offer a glimpse into the clandestine world of anti-Putin sabotage, a phenomenon that has been hinted at in previous media reports but rarely detailed by those allegedly involved on the ground. The GUR has confirmed Ivan and Foma are working with the agency, though officials acknowledge limitations in verifying all information provided by operatives.

Ivan claims to have been instrumental in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting strategic bombers and munitions factories within Russia. Foma, residing in exile in Poland, stated he manages a network of volunteers inside Russia who surveil high-level Russian officers considered potential targets by Ukrainian intelligence. Foma admitted his network provided intelligence on Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, who was assassinated in Moscow in December last year by a device hidden under his car.

The tactics described by Ivan and Foma align with Ukraine's acknowledged strategy of using coordinated drone attacks on what Kyiv deems legitimate targets within Russia, often employing secret agents. The GUR and the men themselves have been cautious about sharing specific details, making independent verification of their claimed activities challenging.

Ukraine officially refrains from claiming responsibility for such attacks, though a Ukrainian intelligence officer previously told the BBC they were behind the killing of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov in December 2024. The exact number of Russians working in such capacities for Ukraine is difficult to ascertain, with Foma estimating the figure to be between 300 to 500.

Both Ivan and Foma stated their opposition to Russia's war in Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin's regime, believing the war's outcome is tied to Putin's political future. This sentiment underscores the motivations behind the alleged operations, portraying them as acts of resistance against the current Russian leadership.

The documentary "Shadowmen: Russians working with Ukraine" explores these operations further. Ivan's handler expressed a degree of uncertainty regarding the trustworthiness of operatives, stating, "I'm not sure of anyone, except myself," highlighting the inherent risks and potential for deception in such covert activities.

The broader implications of these operations suggest a potentially escalating shadow war, with Ukraine leveraging internal dissent and clandestine networks to exert pressure on Russia's military infrastructure and leadership. The GUR's acknowledgment of its limited oversight raises questions about operational control and the potential for unintended consequences.