Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian intelligence agencies to step up its recruitment of "kamikaze" spies in Britain, it has been claimed.
Last year, we reported how at least 1,000 Russian spooks are hiding behind normal jobs from minicab drivers and baristas to university boffins.
One intelligence source said at the time that Russia had created “extensive and sophisticated networks” of moles operating in “all walks of life”.
The source added: “No one should think they are immune.
"I’m talking about students, trade unions, protest groups, teachers, Uber drivers as well as politicians, the civil service and the police.”
Now, a Russian intelligence source close to the Kremlin has suggested Moscow will "intensify undercover work with secret informants" across the UK, The Sun Online reports.
In emails seen by the news website, it reportedly reads: "Another direction - to intensify undercover work with secret informants in all spheres of society in Britain, mainly among civil servants and politicians of all ranks - including those who sit in Parliament and members of the Lords.
"The emphasis is on finding scumbags ready to commit self-sacrifice under any pretext. We need 'kamikaze-torpedoes' who would agree to participate in sabotage.
"Particular attention must be paid to activists from international student youth movements, trade unions, and leaders of various religious communities."
The insider claims potential agents could be found "by increasing surveillance of diplomatic personnel from the Russian embassy and consulates".
It comes as Putin has issued a chilling warning to the UK this week over its prospective plans to provide Ukraine with fighter jets to defend its country from Russian invaders.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his request for the airpower in a speech to the UK parliament on Wednesday.
But the Russian Embassy in London was quick to respond, issuing a statement warning the British government that a decision to provide the warplanes would be "on London's conscience" because of the "bloodshed, next round of escalation, and subsequent military and political ramifications for the European continent and the entire globe".
The UK has not yet committed to providing the fighter jets to Ukraine, but on Wednesday Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisted that "nothing was off the table" in his discussions with Zelensky.
