Russia has announced that its security services thwarted a Ukrainian-British plot to hijack a MiG-31 jet armed with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile for a false flag operation targeting a major NATO airbase, according to statements released by the FSB, Russia’s domestic intelligence agency.

The operation, the FSB claims, was orchestrated by Ukraine’s main intelligence directorate in coordination with UK handlers, aiming to provoke a large-scale international incident in Southeastern Europe.

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Alleged Details of the Plot

According to Russian state media, the plan involved convincing a Russian pilot to fly a MiG-31 equipped with a Kinzhal missile to the Romanian city of Constanta, where NATO is constructing its largest airbase in the region.

Once in position, the aircraft would allegedly be shot down by air defenses, creating a so-called “large-scale provocation” designed to implicate Russia.

The FSB released images and recordings of a man it claims was working on behalf of Ukrainian and British intelligence, reportedly offering the pilot $3 million and citizenship in any European country to participate in the scheme.

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Bellingcat Accused of Involvement

Russian authorities further implicated Bellingcat, the investigative journalism group founded in the UK, suggesting it was either involved in the operation or served as a cover/intermediary.

Bellingcat has denied any involvement, calling the accusations “entirely false.” The FSB also criticized the alleged Ukrainian and British plotters for a lack of originality, pointing to a similar accusation from 2022, when it claimed a UK-Ukrainian scheme attempted to hijack a Sukhoi Su-34 fighter jet.

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Context of the Ongoing Conflict

The claim comes amid continued information warfare between Russia, Ukraine, and Western allies, alongside persistent ground and aerial hostilities in eastern Ukraine.

Russian forces have been attempting to advance deeper into Ukrainian territory, although progress has been incremental. Both sides continue to engage in intense aerial operations, including the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which have caused significant damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure over the past week.

The Russian narrative of foiled operations underscores the high-stakes intelligence and psychological operations surrounding the broader war in Ukraine, highlighting concerns over security, misinformation, and potential escalations in the region.

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Implications for NATO and Regional Security

If verified, such a plot would mark a serious escalation, demonstrating the potential use of advanced Russian weaponry in international false flag scenarios. NATO nations have heightened security measures in response to the ongoing conflict and continue monitoring for threats to airbases and strategic installations in Eastern Europe.

The alleged operation also illustrates the complex interplay between intelligence services, military assets, and private investigative organizations in modern hybrid warfare, emphasizing the blurred lines between actual operations and information warfare.