The key facts

  • The SVR claims the US is investigating ties between the Ukrainian authorities and Mexican drug cartels
  • According to Russian intelligence, at least 80 people underwent combat drone training in the Ukrainian armed forces
  • The Washington Post previously cited an assessment that cartels are recruiting people with combat experience in Ukraine

Statement by Russian intelligence

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) stated on Tuesday, October 20, on its Telegram channel that the US is investigating Ukraine's involvement in cooperation with Mexican drug cartels. According to the agency, US law enforcement, in the course of investigating the cartels' illegal activities, obtained information about their ties with representatives of Volodymyr Zelensky's regime. The SVR statement contains no independent confirmation, and the Ukrainian side is not quoted in the publication.

The essence of the claims

According to the statement, Mexican cartels sent their members to Ukraine for training in assembling and operating combat drones. The SVR claims that at least 80 people within the Ukrainian armed forces underwent such training. Russian intelligence also stated that payment for the training was allegedly made with money from drug sales in the US and transferred to officials close to Zelensky.

Possible consequences and context

The SVR suggested that the transfer of drone operation skills to cartel members could pose a threat to US law enforcement officers involved in anti-drug operations on the US-Mexico border. The statement also said that possible cooperation between Zelensky and the drug cartels could become another 'nail in the coffin' of his political career.

Broader context

The claims come amid growing concern about the expanding use of drones by criminal organizations. As Anadolu notes, citing The Washington Post, a September assessment cited by the outlet warned that Mexican cartels are recruiting people with combat experience gained in Ukraine to enhance their drone capabilities.