# U.S. uncovers network accused of plotting assassinations of Russian ‘dissidents’ in Washington and Vilnius

https://mins.news/en/item/61166

- Meduza, 2026-09-16 15:02 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/09/16/u-s-uncovers-network-that-plotted-assassinations-of-russian-dissidents-in-washington-and-vilnius-among-the-suspects-an-ex-colonel-with-putin-ties-his-fsb-officer-son-and-a-cuban-dancer

> U.S. authorities say the RIS Network, which they link to Russian intelligence services, recruited operatives to assassinate Russian opposition figures and conduct sabotage in countries allied with Ukraine. Five Russian, Cuban, and Venezuelan nationals face charges. The indictment describes plots targeting dissidents near Washington and Vilnius, as well as arson attacks across four EU countries.

## Related coverage

- [U.S. accuses Russia of plot to kill a prominent dissident in Washington](https://mins.news/en/video/61679) — NBC News, 2026-09-16
- [U.S. accuses Russia of plot to kill prominent dissident in Washington](https://mins.news/en/item/60836) — NBC News, 2026-09-16
- [US charges 5 suspects linked to alleged Russian assassination, sabotage network targeting Ukraine's allies](https://mins.news/en/item/60222) — The Kyiv Independent, 2026-09-16