Russia has increased attempts to assassinate political opponents and supporters of Ukraine across Europe since 2022, employing proxies and operatives to carry out targeted killings, with multiple plots uncovered in countries including France, Lithuania, Germany, and Poland.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been a significant rise in targeted assassination attempts by Russian security services against opponents in Europe. These targets include Russian activists, supporters of Ukraine, military defectors, and key figures in European industries supplying Ukraine. Several plots have been foiled in countries such as France, Lithuania, Germany, and Poland. The operations involve Russian operatives and proxies recruited from various backgrounds, including criminal elements and those fleeing Russian domestic security services. These assassination attempts are part of an authorized political campaign to intimidate and silence Russian opposition abroad, causing European law enforcement to divert substantial resources. Past successful and attempted assassinations, including the killing of a Russian helicopter pilot in Spain and the poisoning of Sergei Skripal in the UK, demonstrate Russian capability and intent. European intelligence officials warn that targets will remain under persistent threat due to Russia's willingness to kill abroad.