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Russia's Proxy Network Plotted Dissident Assassinations, 13 Charged

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

European courts disclosed that Russia is using low-level proxies to stalk and plan assassinations of dissidents abroad.
Plots to kill activists Vladimir Osechkin, Valdas Bartkevicius and Ruslan Gabbasov were uncovered in France and Lithuania, resulting in arrests.
Lithuanian prosecutors charged 13 people from seven countries, linking them to Russian military intelligence and organized crime, while officials warned the campaign seeks to silence Kremlin opponents and strain law-enforcement resources.

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Story summary

European courts disclosed that Russia is using low-level proxies to stalk and plan assassinations of dissidents abroad.
Plots to kill activists Vladimir Osechkin, Valdas Bartkevicius and Ruslan Gabbasov were uncovered in France and Lithuania, resulting in arrests.
Lithuanian prosecutors charged 13 people from seven countries, linking them to Russian military intelligence and organized crime, while officials warned the campaign seeks to silence Kremlin opponents and strain law-enforcement resources.