Mysterious fire in Moscow: Important for Putin's espionage - roof of Russian research institute collapsed

ws.de Mysterious fire in Moscow: Important for Putin's espionage - roof of Russian research institute collapsed Article by gom/bos/news.de • 1 hour • 2 minutes reading time In order to defend itself against Vladimir Putin's invasion, Ukraine has launched more frequent drone attacks on targets in Russia in recent months. The main targets were military facilities that are important for supplying the Kremlin troops. Possible acts of sabotage have also been reported several times. This week, another mysterious fire broke out in a Russian radar and espionage institute in Moscow. Is Ukraine behind it? Ukraine war today: Fire breaks out in Russian research institute in Moscow The Lebedev Institute for Precision Mechanics and Computer Technology was affected on the night of Wednesday, February 19, as "Newsweek" reports. Russian Telegram channels emphasize that the research facility is important for Putin's defense industry. According to the channel "Sirena", work is being carried out there, among other things, on the development of a SIM card with Russian encryption. Radar processors for naval radar stations are also being manufactured there. In addition, the institute is involved in the development of a system that allows Russian security forces to monitor mobile phone and Internet users. According to "Open Sanctions", several Western sanctions have been imposed on the facility. It also has a license for IT companies, thanks to which systems can be developed for the Russian secret service. The institute is also permitted to "develop, manufacture, test, install, maintain, dispose of and sell weapons and military equipment". Cause of fire at Lebedev Institute of Precision Mechanics and Computer Technology unclear Images of the building complex in flames were shared on social networks. Jason Jay Smart, correspondent for the "Kyiv Post", wrote: "The building of the Institute of Precision Computer Engineering in Moscow has caught fire. The fire has already spread over an area of ​​1,500 square meters. The roof and walls of the institute have collapsed. The institute is contributing to the war against Ukraine." Other Ukrainian media also confirmed the collapse of the roof. The cause of the fire was initially unclear. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the fire was completely extinguished by Thursday morning. There were no injuries. The Russian government has not yet made a statement on the incident. Whether the fire is directly related to the war in Ukraine can only be speculated at this time.