Intelligence: Japan Becomes Espionage Central

August 19, 2026: One immediate effect of the Ukraine war was the expulsion of Russian spies from NATO countries. Most of these spies were diplomats, a practice long used worldwide. In addition, firms with any connection to Russia were blacklisted. Local authorities also cracked down on foreigners' efforts to buy electronic components that could be used in weapons. These were often smuggled out through several countries before reaching Russia.