Former intelligence expert says Russian spy in defense ministry for decades represents “exceptionally valuable” intelligence target.
Strategic Value of Defense Ministry Agents
Former Polish intelligence officer Vincent Severski stated that from the perspective of Russian intelligence services, an agent in Poland’s Ministry of National Defense would be an exceptionally valuable operational target. The ministry has long been at the top of Russia’s intelligence priority list as key decisions about the military, NATO cooperation, and strategic defense directions are made there.
Severski explained that placing agents in important state institutions is standard operational practice for Russian intelligence. The disclosure of such a spy is always a surprise to the public, as people naturally assume security systems effectively eliminate such threats.
Operational Capabilities of Long-Term Agents
The presence of an agent in such a strategic location provides foreign states with enormous operational potential. Such individuals not only transmit documents but also enable building a comprehensive picture of the entire institution’s functioning, procedures, and weaknesses.
According to Severski, the value of an agent like Władysław P. extended beyond physical document transfer. Information gained indirectly through observing employee behaviors, relationships, and institutional atmosphere also has significant intelligence value.
The Challenge of Detection
Severski emphasized that Władysław P.’s 30-year presence in the ministry provided access to vast amounts of data. After three decades, such an agent possesses material of exceptional operational value with potential strategic significance for foreign intelligence.
Even seemingly trivial situations can have major intelligence significance. Conversations in informal settings, like cigarette breaks, often contain fragments of information that, when combined with other data, create a complete operational picture.
Poland’s Geopolitical Position
Poland’s special geopolitical position makes it one of the primary targets for Russian special services. The Russian intelligence apparatus consists of tens of thousands of officials working in structures like GRU and SVR as well as supporting institutions.
Russian intelligence activities focus primarily on defense and foreign policy institutions, aiming to gather information for military planning, political destabilization, or influence operations. Severski noted that any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can be valuable in intelligence work.
Broader Context of Russian Intelligence in Europe
Severski addressed the broader context of Russian intelligence activities in Europe, noting that democracy limits immediate responses to pro-Russian views since such opinions alone are not crimes. “That’s democracy. In a sense, we are helpless here,” he stated.
Services can only take operational actions when there are specific indications of legal violations or threats to national security. Russian services employ various methods including propaganda and influence operations aimed at political destabilization.
The Władysław P. Case
Władysław P., a 60-year-old employee, worked in Poland’s Ministry of National Defense for over 30 years in various positions. His long tenure provided detailed knowledge of the ministry’s functioning, procedures, and key personnel.
During his work, he had access to strategically important documents and information about the Polish military and international cooperation. In early February 2026, the Military Counterintelligence Service arrested him based on gathered evidence of his espionage activities.
According to experts, an agent with such a long tenure is an exceptionally valuable intelligence source, capable of providing data on personnel changes, strategic decisions, and internal decision-making processes. The case of Władysław P. is not isolated, as Polish services have detained numerous individuals suspected of Russian espionage in recent years.
