Russia has built a secret EU network to supply Ukrainian SIM cards for its kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has recently apprehended FSB agents who organized a large-scale operation to supply Ukrainian SIM cards to Russian combat drones through European Union countries.

Kremlin uses the EU as a war platform

Agents purchased Ukrainian SIM cards and routed them via the EU to Naberezhnye Chelny and Yelabuga in Tatarstan, the largest drone manufacturing hub in Russia. The SBU is conducting investigations to hold all network participants accountable within EU territory.

Internal agents and recruitment

Russian operatives recruited residents from Kyiv Oblast, including a former law enforcement officer, as well as employees of Ukrainian mobile operators, to collect intelligence “from within.”

This allowed the occupiers to improve communication and navigation for their combat drones.

SBU documents and stops FSB activity

During raids, authorities seized smartphones containing evidence of contacts with FSB handlers and foreign accomplices, as well as SIM cards prepared for shipment to Russia. The detainees face charges of high treason under martial law, carrying potential life imprisonment and property confiscation.

The operation was carried out by SBU officers in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast with support from the Internal Security Department of the National Police and the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.