Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation Director Alexander Bortnikov has accused Ukraine of turning into one of Europe’s main hubs for illegal arms trafficking, amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.

Speaking at the 58th meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of CIS member states, Bortnikov claimed that Ukraine has become a major source of instability in Europe under what he described as strong Western backing.

He alleged that Ukraine has developed into one of the largest centers for illegal weapons and ammunition smuggling in Europe, and that it is being used as a testing ground for new types of weapons and military artificial intelligence systems.

Bortnikov said that as a result of policies carried out by the Kyiv authorities, Ukraine has become one of the most significant destabilizing factors in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.

He further stated that Russian and Belarusian security services had intercepted more than 500 explosive devices allegedly intended to be smuggled into Russia in early 2026.

The FSB chief also accused Ukrainian organized crime groups of financing operations through synthetic drug production, which he claimed is linked to broader security threats.

In addition, Bortnikov alleged that Western intelligence-linked organizations and NGOs are operating in CIS countries with the aim of influencing public opinion and undermining regional security.

He also repeated claims regarding alleged Western biological research programs, which could not be independently verified.

The statements come amid ongoing geopolitical confrontation between Russia and Western countries over the war in Ukraine, with both sides frequently exchanging accusations regarding security and intelligence activities.

Independent verification of the claims was not immediately available.(ILKHA)