What is the SVR?
To understand how Russia gathers secrets abroad, you must understand the SVR. The Sluzhba Vneshney Razvedki, or Foreign Intelligence Service, operates as Moscow’s external intelligence arm. Comparable to the CIA or MI6, it collects intelligence overseas, recruits agents, and spreads disinformation to advance Kremlin objectives.
Origins and Development
The SVR emerged in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It inherited the First Chief Directorate of the KGB, which had managed Soviet foreign intelligence. From the start, it framed itself as the legal and professional successor to the KGB abroad, maintaining continuity in both staff and methods.
Structure and Oversight
The SVR reports directly to the President of Russia. Its headquarters sit in Yasenevo, on the outskirts of Moscow. The agency divides its work into directorates that handle political intelligence, economic espionage, scientific and technical theft, and covert influence operations.
Espionage Abroad
The SVR focuses on long-term infiltration and political influence. It cultivates assets inside governments, corporations, and international organisations. Western authorities have exposed numerous SVR networks across Europe, from sleeper agents to embassy-based operatives. These networks allow Moscow to penetrate decision-making circles and steer debates in its favour.
Disinformation and Influence
Beyond espionage, the SVR engages in disinformation campaigns. It spreads false narratives through media proxies, think tanks, and online platforms. These operations often work in tandem with Russia’s other intelligence services, creating a layered strategy that blurs the origin of attacks while maximising impact.
Relationship with Other Agencies
The SVR operates alongside the FSB and GRU. While the FSB focuses on domestic security and the GRU runs military intelligence, the agency maintains the long game of espionage and political manipulation abroad. Rivalries exist, but the agencies increasingly cooperate in hybrid campaigns against Europe and the United States.
Strategic Importance
The SVR represents one of Moscow’s sharpest tools in hybrid warfare. By combining espionage, influence, and disinformation, it undermines Europe’s cohesion and strengthens the Kremlin’s global reach. Understanding the SVR means recognising how Russia projects power not only through tanks and missiles but through secrets, agents, and ideas.
