The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that it had detected attempts by Ukrainian special services to recruit citizens of the country to transfer classified data related to a special military operation (SMO). According to the agency, the operation is being carried out under the cover of the American analytical organization RAND Corporation, whose activities have been deemed undesirable in Russia since 2023. The FSB reported this on March 27, 2025, publishing details of the scheme and audio recordings of the conversations confirming the accusations.

According to the statement of the special service, Ukrainian agents use instant messengers to establish contact with Russians, giving preference to those who are related to the military or security agencies. Potential informants are offered monetary rewards for cooperation, the source of which is allegedly the RAND Corporation. The main goal of recruitment is to collect secret information about the Russian army, including data on the number and location of units participating in the SVO, as well as information on the combat use of strategic aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The FSB emphasizes that such actions are aimed at undermining the country's security and supporting Kyiv's military efforts.

As evidence, the agency published a recording of a telephone conversation in which, allegedly, representatives of the Ukrainian special services, posing as RAND Corporation employees, communicate with an employee of the security agency from Chita. In the audio, one can hear how the interlocutor tries to convince the Russian to provide confidential data, promising financial compensation for this. The FSB reported that such attempts are recorded throughout the country, and their organizers use complex methods of disguise, including number substitution and encryption of communications.

The RAND Corporation, known for its research on security and defense, has long been under close scrutiny by Russian authorities. Much of its analysis related to U.S. interests is classified, and in 2023, the organization was placed on Russia’s list of undesirables after being accused of supporting anti-Russian initiatives. The FSB claims that the current recruitment scheme is part of a broader campaign aimed at gaining access to military secrets through American intermediaries.

In recent months, relations between Russia and the West have become strained over growing support for Ukraine. According to The New York Times, in February 2025, the RAND Corporation released a report on possible scenarios for escalation of the conflict, which drew criticism. Experts in Washington deny the organization’s involvement in recruitment.