The Ex-Taxi Driver at the Center of Russia’s Shadow War

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by Michael Schwirtz and Adam Goldman

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Kremlin has been escalating its sabotage campaign against European allies of Ukraine, relying on figures like Aleksei Kolosovsky—a former taxi driver turned key player in Russia’s shadow war. According to Western security officials, Kolosovsky, 42, is not a trained intelligence operative but rather a service provider who works closely with Russian military intelligence (G.R.U.) to execute plots across Europe. His criminal background, which includes ties to hacking, fake ID sales, and car theft, has made him a valuable asset for Russia’s unconventional tactics. Kolosovsky’s involvement in recent attacks highlights the evolving nature of Russia’s strategy, which has shifted from petty vandalism to more severe actions like arson and bombings. For instance, an arson attack outside Warsaw destroyed over 1,000 businesses, while another targeted an IKEA store in Lithuania. Plans to sabotage cargo planes in Britain, Germany, and Poland were also uncovered. These operations aim to undermine Western unity and weaken support for Ukraine. Western officials believe that Russia’s intelligence services recruited Kolosovsky due to his extensive network across Europe. His ability to navigate criminal underworlds made him an ideal candidate to oversee planning and execution of these plots. Unlike traditional spies, Kolosovsky operates as a freelancer, leveraging his connections to carry out missions that align with Russia’s broader geopolitical goals. This new approach to sabotage underscores the increasingly desperate measures Russia is taking to counter Ukraine’s allies. By using individuals like Kolosovsky, the Kremlin avoids direct involvement and distances

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026