"Russian Defector's Killing Sparks Fears of Hit Squads"

The killing of Russian defector Maksim Kuzminov in Spain has raised concerns about the continued operation of Russian spy networks targeting Kremlin enemies, despite efforts to dismantle them after Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Kuzminov's defection to Ukraine, where he handed over a military helicopter and secret documents, angered the Kremlin, leading to his targeted killing. The assassination bears similarities to previous attacks linked to the Kremlin, and while no direct Kremlin involvement has been proven, Russia had openly expressed its desire to see Kuzminov dead. His defection was a significant success for Ukraine's military intelligence, but his subsequent killing has raised fears and implications for future defections and espionage activities.