Moscow said Monday that it had detained a Russian citizen and former US consulate employee in Vladivostok for allegedly passing information about the Ukraine conflict to American diplomats.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement it had "suppressed the illegal activities of Robert Robertovich Shonov", accusing him of being an informant for the US embassy in Moscow.

The announcement is the latest in a series of diplomatic spats building pressure on strained ties between Moscow and Washington, particularly over the conflict in Ukraine.

The FSB said Shonov had begun handing information to US diplomats in September last year about the conflict and mobilisation, an unpopular move in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that saw an exodus of military-aged men.

It added that Shonov had been tasked with gauging protest sentiment in&nbsp;Russia's regions ahead of presidential elections scheduled for next year.

The FSB said that Shonov had reported to two diplomats in the political department in the US embassy in Moscow, Jeffrey Silin and David Bernstein, and that it planned to question the men.

Diplomatic tensions between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Western countries, particularly the United States, have been deteriorating for years and both sides have ordered the other to cut staff numbers at diplomatic facilities, hampering their functions.

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Moscow said Monday that it had detained a Russian citizen and former US consulate employee in Vladivostok for allegedly passing information about the Ukraine conflict to American diplomats.

Moscow said Monday that it had detained a Russian citizen and former US consulate employee in Vladivostok for allegedly passing information about the Ukraine conflict to American diplomats. The Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement it had "suppressed the illegal activities of Robert Robertovich Shonov", accusing him of being an informant for the US embassy in Moscow. The announcement is the latest in a series of diplomatic spats building pressure on strained ties between Moscow and Washington, particularly over the conflict in Ukraine. The FSB said Shonov had begun handing information to US diplomats in September last year about the conflict and mobilisation, an unpopular move in Russia that saw an exodus of military-aged men. It added that Shonov had been tasked with gauging protest sentiment in Russia's regions ahead of presidential elections scheduled for next year. The FSB said that Shonov had reported to two diplomats in the political department in the US embassy in Moscow, Jeffrey Silin and David Bernstein, and that it planned to question the men. Diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly the United States, have been deteriorating for years and both sides have ordered the other to cut staff numbers at diplomatic facilities, hampering their functions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says detained US embassy 'informant' on Ukraine

Russia has geared up to spread anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages in the US and the West using 'influence-laundering techniques', The New York Times has reported. The effort is being taken to hide work of its intelligence agencies to manipulate public opinion. The New York Times has cited a newly declassified American intelligence analysis.

Russia has been widely accused of having taken steps to influence US voters in the run-up to 2016 US Presidential Election. Media reports say that these efforts were designed to have short-term effects.

However, according to NYT, the newly declassified US document has delved into how intelligence services in Russia, particularly the Federal Security Service or FSB, are using allies inside organisations to spread propaganda and cultivate ties with rising leaders. These efforts are designed to have an effect over longer period of time.&nbsp;

The Russian influence operations may have been dealt the blow after Yevgeny Prigozhin's mutiny and his apparent killing. Prigozhin, the chief of Wagner Group, also founded the Internet Research Agency. The IRA, which was dissolved last month, has been reported to have been involved in most active and prominent troll farms that supported Donald Trump during 2016 elections.

The New York Times says that the latest information released by the US is designed to highlight how deep the Russian influence operations are. The efforts are also focussed on developing young leaders who potentially in future can help Russia or spread pro-Russian message in their home countries. These efforts are not unlike Soviet-era spying efforts to develop allies with similar ideological inclinations and also informants.

NYT quoted an unnamed US official to say that the declassified document mentions a group of 'co-optees'.&nbsp;

These claim to be acting independently but in reality are Russian agents who conduct influence operations against the US.

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Russia has geared up to spread anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages in the US and the West using 'influence-laundering techniques', The New York Times has reported.

Russia has geared up to spread anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages in the US and the West using 'influence-laundering techniques', The New York Times has reported. The effort is being taken to hide work of its intelligence agencies to manipulate public opinion. The New York Times has cited a newly declassified American intelligence analysis. Russia has been widely accused of having taken steps to influence US voters in the run-up to 2016 US Presidential Election. Media reports say that these efforts were designed to have short-term effects. However, according to NYT, the newly declassified US document has delved into how intelligence services in Russia, particularly the Federal Security Service or FSB, are using allies inside organisations to spread propaganda and cultivate ties with rising leaders. These efforts are designed to have an effect over longer period of time. The Russian influence operations may have been dealt the blow after Yevgeny Prigozhin's mutiny and his apparent killing. Prigozhin, the chief of Wagner Group, also founded the Internet Research Agency. The IRA, which was dissolved last month, has been reported to have been involved in most active and prominent troll farms that supported Donald Trump during 2016 elections. The New York Times says that the latest information released by the US is designed to highlight how deep the Russian influence operations are. The efforts are also focussed on developing young leaders who potentially in future can help Russia or spread pro-Russian message in their home countries. These efforts are not unlike Soviet-era spying efforts to develop allies with similar ideological inclinations and also informants. NYT quoted an unnamed US official to say that the declassified document mentions a group of 'co-optees'. These claim to be acting independently but in reality are Russian agents who conduct influence operations against the US. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian intel agencies undertaking long-term influence operations in US: Report

On Tuesday (September 27), a day after the Russian security service FSB announced that it had detained a Japanese consul in Vladivostok for possible espionage and ordered him to leave the country, Tokyo accused Moscow of mistreating the diplomat and demanded a formal apology.

As per AFP, talking to the press, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno claimed that the "official was blindfolded, with pressure applied to both his hands and head so he was unable to move while being detained, and then he was questioned in an overbearing way."

Watch |&nbsp;Putin's mobilisation call: Russian men flee country to avoid fighting in the ongoing Ukraine war

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Denying the espionage charges Matsuno said that his country "strongly protests these unbelievable acts".

Reuters reports that as per Matsuno Moscow's detention of the consul was clearly in "violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."

He further stated that the detained consul "was not engaging in any illegal activity," and that Japan summoned the Russian ambassador and "demanded a formal apology" for how the diplomat had been treated. Tokyo has also threatened that it "needs to take equivalent steps".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-diplomat-arrested-in-russia-by-its-federal-security-service-suspected-of-spying-519888">Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying</a>

As per FSB intelligence actions of the Japanese diplomat located in Vladivostok, a port city in eastern Russia, led to him being deemed as "persona non grata."

The agency claims that the envoy was "red-handedly" caught acquiring classified information about how Western sanctions were affecting the economic climate in Russia's far east.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday (September 27), a day after the Russian security service FSB announced that it had detained a Japanese consul in Vladivostok for possible espionage and ordered him to leave the country, Tokyo accused Moscow of mistreating the diplomat and demanded a formal apology.

On Tuesday (September 27), a day after the Russian security service FSB announced that it had detained a Japanese consul in Vladivostok for possible espionage and ordered him to leave the country, Tokyo accused Moscow of mistreating the diplomat and demanded a formal apology. As per AFP, talking to the press, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno claimed that the "official was blindfolded, with pressure applied to both his hands and head so he was unable to move while being detained, and then he was questioned in an overbearing way." Watch | Putin's mobilisation call: Russian men flee country to avoid fighting in the ongoing Ukraine war Denying the espionage charges Matsuno said that his country "strongly protests these unbelievable acts". Reuters reports that as per Matsuno Moscow's detention of the consul was clearly in "violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations." He further stated that the detained consul "was not engaging in any illegal activity," and that Japan summoned the Russian ambassador and "demanded a formal apology" for how the diplomat had been treated. Tokyo has also threatened that it "needs to take equivalent steps". Also read | Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying As per FSB intelligence actions of the Japanese diplomat located in Vladivostok, a port city in eastern Russia, led to him being deemed as "persona non grata." The agency claims that the envoy was "red-handedly" caught acquiring classified information about how Western sanctions were affecting the economic climate in Russia's far east. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan demands apology from Russia over 'unbelievable' treatment of diplomat

Tass news agency reported that a Japanese diplomat called Motoki Tatsunori was arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service (FSB) as he was suspected of spying.

Declaring the official person non grata, the FSB said the diplomat was based in the eastern city of Vladivostok.

The FSB said in a statement, "A Japanese diplomat was detained red-handed while receiving classified information, in exchange for money, about Russia's cooperation with another country in the Asia-Pacific region."

Ordering the diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours, the Russian foreign ministry said the official had been&nbsp;soliciting information about "the impact of Western sanctions" on the eastern Primorsky region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-releases-shocking-before-and-after-images-of-soldier-held-in-russian-captivity-519826" hreflang="en">Ukraine releases shocking ‘before and after’ images of soldier freed from Russian captivity</a>

Through&nbsp;diplomatic channels, the FSB&nbsp;lodged a protest with Tokyo and released&nbsp;a short video of&nbsp;the diplomat acknowledging that he had violated Russian laws.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another man who was the top manager of an aviation factory was detained&nbsp;on suspicion of passing secret military information to Ukraine.

Citing the FSB federal security agency, the agencies said that the man was suspected of taking photographs of equipment from Russia's fighter planes and sending them to a Ukrainian citizen who worked at a Ukrainian aviation plant. As a result, a treason case has been opened against the suspect by the Federal Security Service.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the relations between Russia and Japan have further deteriorated and they both&nbsp;have traded tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats.

Before the&nbsp;invasion of Ukraine, Tokyo had complex relations with Moscow because of the long-running dispute over islands controlled by Russia. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tass news agency reported that a Japanese diplomat called Motoki Tatsunori was arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service (FSB) as he was suspected of spying.

Tass news agency reported that a Japanese diplomat called Motoki Tatsunori was arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service (FSB) as he was suspected of spying. Declaring the official person non grata, the FSB said the diplomat was based in the eastern city of Vladivostok. The FSB said in a statement, "A Japanese diplomat was detained red-handed while receiving classified information, in exchange for money, about Russia's cooperation with another country in the Asia-Pacific region." Ordering the diplomat to leave the country within 48 hours, the Russian foreign ministry said the official had been soliciting information about "the impact of Western sanctions" on the eastern Primorsky region. Also read | Ukraine releases shocking ‘before and after’ images of soldier freed from Russian captivity Through diplomatic channels, the FSB lodged a protest with Tokyo and released a short video of the diplomat acknowledging that he had violated Russian laws. Meanwhile, another man who was the top manager of an aviation factory was detained on suspicion of passing secret military information to Ukraine. Citing the FSB federal security agency, the agencies said that the man was suspected of taking photographs of equipment from Russia's fighter planes and sending them to a Ukrainian citizen who worked at a Ukrainian aviation plant. As a result, a treason case has been opened against the suspect by the Federal Security Service. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the relations between Russia and Japan have further deteriorated and they both have traded tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Tokyo had complex relations with Moscow because of the long-running dispute over islands controlled by Russia. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia's Federal Security Service</a> (FSB) has ordered some of the country's major internet companies to give it continuous access to their systems, The Bell investigative website reported late on Tuesday, citing three sources at the firms.

It said the measure would affect a string of Russian internet services that have been added to a list of entities obliged to hand over user data and messages to Russian law enforcement agencies on request.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia opposes US OneWeb satellite service, cites security concerns</a>

The list, drawn up by Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, contains more than 200 entities such as popular messenger service Telegram, some Yandex&nbsp; services, social network VK and classified advertisement website Avito.ru.

Reuters was unable to immediately confirm the report.

The Bell said the orders, which the companies received last year, demanded they install equipment allowing FSB employees to have continuous access to their information systems and the keys to decode users' communications.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901">Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for intelligence that foiled attack</a>

Companies that fail to comply can be blocked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia</a>'s increased regulation of the internet has drawn criticism from some opposition politicians and sparked protests by activists who are concerned about what they say is the state's growing presence in the online world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia </a>has in the past attempted to block access to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/russia-threatens-to-block-telegram-messaging-app-17274">Telegram messenger</a> service after it refused to give state security access to users' secret messages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/russia-threatens-to-block-telegram-messaging-app-17274">Russia threatens to block Telegram messaging app</a>

The authorities have also started to focus their attention on foreign services as well, including dating app Tinder.

Tinder said last year that it had agreed to be added to Roskomnadzor's register but had not divulged users' personal information. The Bell did not say whether Tinder had been ordered by the FSB to hand over users' data and communications.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has ordered some of the country's major internet companies to give it continuous access to their systems, The Bell investigative website reported late on Tuesday, citing three sources at the firms.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has ordered some of the country's major internet companies to give it continuous access to their systems, The Bell investigative website reported late on Tuesday, citing three sources at the firms. It said the measure would affect a string of Russian internet services that have been added to a list of entities obliged to hand over user data and messages to Russian law enforcement agencies on request. Also read: Russia opposes US OneWeb satellite service, cites security concerns The list, drawn up by Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, contains more than 200 entities such as popular messenger service Telegram, some Yandex services, social network VK and classified advertisement website Avito.ru. Reuters was unable to immediately confirm the report. The Bell said the orders, which the companies received last year, demanded they install equipment allowing FSB employees to have continuous access to their information systems and the keys to decode users' communications. Also read: Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for intelligence that foiled attack Companies that fail to comply can be blocked. Russia's increased regulation of the internet has drawn criticism from some opposition politicians and sparked protests by activists who are concerned about what they say is the state's growing presence in the online world. Russia has in the past attempted to block access to the Telegram messenger service after it refused to give state security access to users' secret messages. Also read: Russia threatens to block Telegram messaging app The authorities have also started to focus their attention on foreign services as well, including dating app Tinder. Tinder said last year that it had agreed to be added to Roskomnadzor's register but had not divulged users' personal information. The Bell did not say whether Tinder had been ordered by the FSB to hand over users' data and communications.

Russia's security service tells internet firms to hand over user data: The Bell

Russia' s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday it had detained five members of an Islamic State cell planning attacks in several regions and had seized an array of weapons, according to Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

The five suspects were apprehended in the city of Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow, on May 3-4, the Interfax news agency reported, quoting an FSB statement.

Russia, whose military is helping the Syrian government fight rebel forces and Islamic State militants, is hosting the soccer World Cup next month and is increasing security measures.

On April 27, the FSB said it had thwarted an Islamic State plot to carry out a series of high-profile attacks in the Moscow area, where soccer World Cup matches are due to take place this summer.

The FSB on Friday did not reveal the identities of the detained or provide details on when or where the attacks were meant to take place.&nbsp;

"In the course of house searches, an arsenal of home-made explosive devices and substances, firearms and ammunition were seized from the detained," the FSB was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Their activities were being coordinated partly from abroad using the Telegram instant messaging service, which Russia moved to block last month, the FSB statement said.&nbsp;

Separately, the Roskomnadzor watchdog blacklisted Telegram after it refused to comply with a court order to grant security services access to its user-encrypted messages.&nbsp;

The FSB has said it needs to access some user messages for its work, although supporters of Telegram - thousands of whom rallied against the ban in Moscow this week - say the move amounts to an attack on Internet freedoms.

The five suspects were apprehended in the city of Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow, on May 3-4, the Interfax news agency reported, quoting an FSB statement

Russia' s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday it had detained five members of an Islamic State cell planning attacks in several regions and had seized an array of weapons, according to Russian news agencies. The five suspects were apprehended in the city of Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow, on May 3-4, the Interfax news agency reported, quoting an FSB statement. Russia, whose military is helping the Syrian government fight rebel forces and Islamic State militants, is hosting the soccer World Cup next month and is increasing security measures. On April 27, the FSB said it had thwarted an Islamic State plot to carry out a series of high-profile attacks in the Moscow area, where soccer World Cup matches are due to take place this summer. The FSB on Friday did not reveal the identities of the detained or provide details on when or where the attacks were meant to take place. "In the course of house searches, an arsenal of home-made explosive devices and substances, firearms and ammunition were seized from the detained," the FSB was quoted as saying. Their activities were being coordinated partly from abroad using the Telegram instant messaging service, which Russia moved to block last month, the FSB statement said. Separately, the Roskomnadzor watchdog blacklisted Telegram after it refused to comply with a court order to grant security services access to its user-encrypted messages. The FSB has said it needs to access some user messages for its work, although supporters of Telegram - thousands of whom rallied against the ban in Moscow this week - say the move amounts to an attack on Internet freedoms.

Russia detains five Islamic State members planning attack: Reports