Hundreds of thousands of Russians who left the country after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine hoped to find safety in Europe. Instead, they have become simultaneously the targets of and desired assets for Russian intelligence, creating a challenge that European governments have so far struggled to address without making matters worse.

The vulnerability of Russian exile communities to FSB recruitment has been laid bare by a series of recent revelations, "Hvylya" reports, citing a Politico investigation. Among them are leaked communications between a student informant and his handlers and the ongoing trial of a Russian activist accused of spying in Poland.

Kirill Shamiev, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and co-author of a report on Russian emigres in Europe, said that exiles' precarious status makes them particularly susceptible to recruitment. Many face financial hardship, uncertain legal status, and have family members in Russia who can be used as leverage. "It makes them valuable targets for Russian intelligence," Shamiev said.

European governments have largely responded by tightening restrictions on Russian nationals within their borders. Some have restricted visa regimes, including for those seeking humanitarian protection. Lithuania has placed limits on how often Russian residents can travel to Russia. But experts warn this approach may be counterproductive.

For Russian dissidents, heightened suspicion following espionage arrests has compounded an already difficult existence. "For those of us who oppose the war, life is hard enough as it is," said Artyom Vazhenkov, an opposition activist. "Back home, you're an enemy, a traitor, an enemy of the state. And now abroad, you're seen as an FSB agent."

Both Shamiev and Andrei Soldatov, a leading expert on Russian intelligence, said the recruitment of Russians within exile communities requires extra vigilance from European security services. But they cautioned against raising the barriers faced by Russian exiles. "You want them to integrate because this is the best vaccine against illegal activities," Shamiev said.

"Hvylya" previously reported on how researchers documented over 100 Russian sabotage operations across Europe in just three years.