US Issued Warning to Putin Over Suspected Smuggling of Incendiary Devices on Cargo Planes

The New York Times reported on January 14, citing unnamed sources, that US President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration had sent a message to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, urging him to stop alleged Russian intelligence plans to smuggle incendiary devices onto US-bound cargo planes.

Moscow has been suspected of involvement in incidents, where several parcels sent by individuals ignited in warehouses in Germany and the UK.

The outlet reported that these operations were preparations for similar plots targeting the US and Canada, raising alarm at the White House.

In August 2024, US intelligence intercepted Russian secret service discussions about the plan. Unsure of Putin's involvement, the White House used back-channel communication to warn him to halt the operation.

On November 4, reports indicated that Russia was preparing to carry out attacks on cargo or passenger planes bound for the US and Canada.

Additionally, reports from November 27 pointed out that Russia may be behind the crash of a DHL cargo plane in Lithuania.

Western intelligence agencies have widely accused Moscow of carrying out sabotage operations in Europe, aimed at destabilizing Ukraine’s allies as Russia continues its war following its full-scale invasion in February 2022.