Thread by @ZimermanErik

Reports emerging that #Ukraine, apparently believing itself to be 1960's Israel, and #Russia 1960's Iraq, (not to mention Russian pilots to be Christian Assyrians in Iraq), tried to recruit #Russian pilots to defect with their planes (ie SU-24 / 34). The failed UA intelligence

operation was busted and "flipped" by a successful Russian FSB counter-intelligence operation. The UA intelligence agents were reportedly lured to identify themselves, other trusted sources, and UA anti-aircraft systems details & positions. A defecting pilot for example would

reasonably need to know many such details in order to fly over Ukrainian territory with a reasonable assurance of not being shot down and killed. This was a creative idea, one I could see coming form the likes of #Arestovych or other Ukrainian well read in history, specifically,

Israeli history, as the Mossad famously successfully captured the West's first Mig-21 in 1966 in a similar operation (Operation Diamond). The difference of course is in the quality of execution. This begins by knowing the potential loyalties (& disloyalties) of your foes and

their general mindset and motivations. Ukrainian agents here likely erred badly, since their government's propaganda so incorrectly portrays Russian troops, their loyalties and motivations.

Successful intelligence enemy penetration operations require a very accurate understanding of your foes, not simply repeating lies which do marvelously for CNN and the masses, let alone believing them yourself.

#UkraineRussianWar #Russia #SBU #FSB

Update on this:

https://twitter.com/ZimermanErik/status/1551727049533964288