British spies are tracking Russian soldiers through dating app Grindr

dailystar.co.uk:

Ukraine. Russia began their invasion of Ukraine 11 days ago, and according to reports, it is unlikely to cease any time soon.

Spies from the UK claim that they were certain of Vladimir Putin’s plans after tapping social media messages.All information that the intelligence service gained from this was reportedly handed to Ukrainian officials to help in anticipation of a full-scale invasion, only keeping back some details to protect sources and methods.

While apps such as Grindr were officially banned by Putin back in 2013, they continue to provide a "treasure trove" of information for British spies, reports The Mirror.Intelligence services also tracked messages on the Russian equivalent of Facebook - VKontakte.A source told the Daily Mail: "These sites were a treasure trove for our spies, and the dating apps in particular – soldiers and those involved in the military effort were particularly unguarded."It meant we were very au fait with the plans and the imminence of the invasion, right down to details such as the movement of blood supplies to the Russian troops."It comes after distressing footage was released of brave Ukrainians marching towards Russian troops in Melitopol as they urged the soldiers to “go home” despite troops firing their guns above the demonstrators' heads.Citizens were given a five-hour window to flee the bombed-out city, only for fighting and strikes to cause many to immediately seek shelter or return to their homes.Crowds hailed President Volodymyr Zelensky, chanting “Zelensky is a good guy, Putin’s a f***ing jerk”.And efforts to evacuate Mariupol were halted as Russian shelling of escape routes continued despite a ceasefire.Ukrainians trying to flee the city during a five-hour ceasefire had to seek.