'Kremlin spies taking big risks to steal secrets'

RUSSIAN intelligence operations in Britain have become "almost embarrassing" as spies take bigger risks, the Express understands.

- Michael Knowles

Sanctions imposed amid the war in Ukraine and the Salisbury poisonings have hampered their operations.

Sources have said Vladimir Putin's spies do not stay operational for long and their plots are easier to disrupt.

They can no longer freely use Moscow's London embassy with its secure communication networks and diplomatic immunity protection.

Instead, Russia's GRU military intelligence agency is relying on spies working under false names and nationalities.