Russian Intelligence Service Alleges Links Between Mexican Cartels and Ukrainian Officials

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged that a US investigation into Mexican drug cartels uncovered links between the criminal groups and Ukrainian officials. The SVR said at least 80 people linked to the cartels received training in assembling and operating drones while serving in Ukraine’s armed forces. It also alleged that people close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were paid with proceeds from drug sales.

The specific claims have not been independently confirmed in public. The Washington Post reported in September, citing officials familiar with a US government assessment, that cartels had sought to recruit people with battlefield experience in the Russia–Ukraine war and send associates to Ukraine. That report did not mention 80 trainees or payments to officials close to Zelensky.

Separately, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was checking the authenticity of a video showing men claiming to be cartel members deployed in Ukraine and investigating how they may have arrived there. No findings confirming links between the cartels and Ukrainian officials have been publicly reported from that inquiry.

The SVR presented the allegations as a potential threat to Zelensky’s political future. They should be treated as allegations unless independently substantiated.