Ukrainian Intelligence Targets Russian Arms Operations in South Africa, Sources Reveal

Ukrainian military intelligence has reportedly carried out covert operations in South Africa aimed at disrupting Russian weapons trafficking, as part of a broader effort to undermine Moscow’s global military supply chains, The Gaze reports, citing the Washington Post.

According to intelligence sources, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence was responsible for exposing and thwarting multiple attempts to smuggle weapons to Russian forces via South African ports and airfields since 2022.

One of the most significant incidents occurred in December 2022, when GUR agents discovered that the Russian cargo ship Lady R had secretly docked at Simon’s Town naval base. Intelligence suggested the ship was loading a covert weapons shipment destined for Russia. The revelation prompted a formal protest from the U.S. ambassador in Pretoria in May 2023.

GUR operatives also reportedly disrupted a weapons transfer to a Russian cargo plane in South Africa earlier in 2022.

“We conduct such operations aimed at reducing Russian military potential, anywhere where it’s possible. Why should Africa be an exception?” said Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence.

The reports are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to weaken Russian influence and capacity abroad, including through direct strikes against Wagner Group operatives on the African continent. One GUR-organized operation in July 2023 reportedly killed 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers, according to the BBC.

In August 2023, when the Russian naval training ship Smolnyy docked in Cape Town, Ukraine lodged sharp protests. Sources claim some GUR officers even considered attacking the vessel, though no such operation took place.

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