Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) is organizing training courses for drone operators in Africa, including in Mali. According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), the programs also teach participants how to operate kamikaze drones.
Mikhail Maksimovich, deputy director of Russia’s SVR, disclosed these activities at the SCO Plus Dialogue on Security. He also warned that international terrorist organizations are increasingly interested in establishing ties with Kiev to gain access to Ukrainian drone technology. Russian intelligence reports indicate that these groups are seeking expertise in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Maksimovich stressed the need to strengthen efforts to prevent terrorist threats. He called for a broader approach to counterterrorism, combining intelligence operations with legislative and economic measures to address the growing risks.
The first SCO Plus Dialogue on Security is being held in Samarkand on November 5–6. The event brings together representatives of intelligence and security agencies from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, along with delegates from international organizations.