And 21 year old Russian student named Ivan as a random name to protect his safety, has uncovered How the pressure of the Federal Security Service of the Federation (FSB) works from within. His story, reconstructed from messages and calls provided to the medium Politicoshows a mixture of threats, manipulation that did not end even when he managed to flee to Spain.
“I’m starting to get tired of you not picking up the phone. Don’t make us go look for you.”. That was one of the messages he received months after leaving Russia. A phrase that perfectly expresses the scope of the pressure: neither distance nor exile guarantee escape from control.
From student to forced informant
It all started in the summer of 2023. Ivan was intercepted at the Moscow airport by FSB agents after returning from a trip. They took his phone and passport, and took him to a room for interrogation.
There they showed him evidence of his relationship with the opposition group Vesna, declared “extremist” by the Russian authorities. The offer was direct: or face up to 15 years in prison.
He accepted. But not out of conviction. He did it to save time. From that moment on, he began a constant relationship with the agents, mainly through Telegram. Two clear profiles: one closer, almost paternal; another openly intimidating. A classic “good cop, bad cop” strategy.
What they asked of him: infiltrate and denounce
The instructions were specific. He had to recover contacts with former opposition colleagues, many already in Europe, and collect information about their activities, networks and support.
The agents were not satisfied with general data. They wanted details: who helped the exiles, what countries they were in, what organizations supported them. They even asked for reports on demonstrations in European cities like Berlin. “Describe everything. Don’t make me chase you”they wrote to him after a protest against the war in Ukraine.
The twist: double play and escape
But Iván decided not to really collaborate. He contacted one of the activists he was supposed to spy on and told him what happened. Together they devised a plan: deliver irrelevant or false information while preparing to leave the country.
In early 2025, he managed to escape. After a complex trip, he arrived in Spainwhere he now awaits asylum. The surprising thing is that for months the agents did not seem to notice. They continued writing to him as if he were still in Russia.
Until suspicions began. “Why did you go abroad? You better call me right away,” was one of the last messages. Then silence.
A strategy that goes beyond Russia
Iván’s case is not isolated. Experts such as Andrei Soldatov, an analyst with the Russian intelligence services, warn of a broader strategy: creating networks of informants within the exile circles themselves.
The objective is twofold. On the one hand, obtain information about opponents of the Kremlin in Europe. On the other hand, generating distrust between them and weakening their activity.
A recent example is the case of a Russian activist tried in Poland, accused of spying on other exiles after having been recruited before leaving Russia.
Exile under pressure
Far from finding complete security, many Russian exiles in Europe live in a fragile situation. Legal, economic and family problems make them vulnerable. According to researcher Kirill Shamiev, That vulnerability makes them “valuable targets.” for the Russian intelligence services.
Furthermore, constant suspicion complicates his daily life. “We live in a climate of mistrust,” admit several opponents. Not knowing who may be collaborating with Moscow makes any organization difficult.
A problem for Europe too
The phenomenon poses a direct challenge to European countries. On the one hand, they must protect the exiles. On the other hand, avoid infiltrations and espionage activities.
Some governments already have tightened visa conditions or controls on Russian citizens. But experts warn that closing doors can make the problem worse.
The key, they say, is integration. Because the more isolated the exiles are, the more vulnerable they will be to pressure.
