A university professor in Estonia was recently sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying for Russian military intelligence. Viacheslav Morozov, a Russian citizen who taught at Estonia’s most prestigious university, was found guilty of undermining the security of the Baltic state during the 14 years he operated in the country. His activities included collecting information on Estonia’s defense and security policy, social integration, and political issues for Moscow.
Political relations between Russia and Estonia have been tense since Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Estonian officials believe that Moscow is particularly interested in any changes in Estonia’s security and defense policy, as well as information on the war in Ukraine. Morozov, who was recruited by the GRU in 2010, used his position as a university professor to access conferences and key individuals in order to gather intelligence.
In a joint statement, Estonia’s state prosecutor’s office and internal security service revealed that Morozov received a fee for his work, but this was not his primary motive. The spying activities are seen as part of a broader campaign by Russia, which has included attacks and sabotage across Europe. Estonian officials have warned against travel to Russia, stating that the country’s spy services are aggressively trying to recruit Estonians. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Estonia, with the former being accused of conducting a “shadow war” against the West.
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