FSB Claims Ukrainian Spies Masquerade as RAND Corp to Gather Intel

Russia's FSB alleges that Ukrainian intelligence has used the guise of U.S. think tank RAND Corp for recruiting Russians and collecting military data. State news agency RIA detailed these claims, noting RAND's banned status in Russia. RAND denied any involvement in recruitment activities, asserting its nonpartisan mission.

Russia's FSB security service has claimed that Ukrainian spy agencies attempted to recruit Russian citizens and access military information by pretending to be affiliated with the U.S. think tank RAND Corporation.

The allegations were shared by the state news agency RIA, stating that Ukrainian agents used RAND's influence to operate within Russia and gather sensitive information related to Russia's military operations in Ukraine. RAND, labeled as an 'undesirable organisation' in Russia, denies any participation in these alleged activities.

A spokesperson from RAND Corporation refuted the FSB's allegations, emphasizing that the research organisation does not partake in any recruitment efforts. RAND maintains that its work is objective, nonpartisan, and crucial for U.S. policy decisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)