Shadow Wars and Shadow Allegiances: The Shageyev Assassination in Crimea The killing of Russian Navy officer Robert Shageyev, who defected from Ukraine in 2014, by a hidden bin bomb in Sevastopol's city center has reignited concerns about shadow wars between Russia and Ukraine.
This case highlights the complex web of allegiances within both countries' militaries. Shageyev's defection was seen as a significant victory for Moscow's annexation efforts in Crimea.
He had commanded Ukraine's only submarine, the Zaporizhzhia, which he surrendered with little resistance. This raised questions about Ukraine's military preparedness and the motivations of its personnel.