The SMERSH counterintelligence detachment has been resumed in Russia: British intelligence has named the target

Russia is restoring a counter-espionage unit from the Second World War/Collage Channel 24

At the end of 2023, Russia decided to restore the anti-spy special forces that existed during World War II. This could have been helped by panic in the Russian leadership due to an increase in sabotage in Kremlin-controlled territory.

British military intelligence devoted its analytical commentary to this event. She admitted that such an initiative could have an informational and symbolic basis for the Kremlin.

What is known about Russian counter-espionage measures

British intelligence noted that recently the first photos of Russian operatives wearing chevrons with the inscription “SMERSH” appeared on the Internet. Its name is an abbreviation for “death to spies.” In World War II, their task was to counter German intelligence officers who were trying to collect information.

British intelligence notes that information about whether this unit was created from scratch or one of the departments of the Russian special services was renamed, but is still missing. However, in this way Russia is probably striving even moreemphasize the significance of the Russian-Ukrainian war, comparing it with the Second World War and hinting at the penetration of “external threats” into Russia.

What was previously reported about the restoration of SMERSH

After the Newsweek report, one of the first mentions of the possibility of restoring the Stalinist counter-espionage unit was the speech of ex-general and deputy Andrei Gurulev on air on Rossiya 24.

In his speech, the politician suggested that the restored SMERSH should operate both in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in Russia. He explained the latter by mentioning that Ukrainian special forces have become more active in the Far East, and therefore Russia must change its approach to protecting objects in this territory.

What is known about the activities of SMERSH in the 1940s

• The Soviet counter-espionage unit SMERSH existed in 1941 – 1946, after which he was returned to the future KGB/FSB. In addition to countering German spies, it was also used to fight the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
• However, in addition to fighting spies, SMERSH is known for numerous repressive actions against the civilian population, which the unit suspected of collaboration with the Germans. In fact, SMERSH was also the personification of Stalin’s repressive policy towards the hypothetical “enemies” of Soviet power. connection with the OUN. After this kidnapping, the former heir to the Habsburg dynasty died in Lukyanovskaya prison.