Europe weighs solutions to curtail Russia’s growing hybrid warfare
Governments now moving faster to impose costs on Moscow for its increasing attacks over support for Ukraine
TL;DR
- Russia is suspected of intensifying a sabotage campaign across Europe, targeting infrastructure and defense facilities to undermine support for Ukraine.
- The attacks are often difficult to trace to Moscow, with intelligence services increasingly relying on remotely recruited individuals paid in cryptocurrency.
- European governments are becoming quicker to publicly identify and blame Russia for sabotage incidents.
- Retaliatory measures by European nations have been cautious, including diplomatic actions like closing consulates, due to the risk of military escalation.
- Many European intelligence agencies have limited latitude for covert operations abroad, restricting their tools for response.
- Some EU states are proposing expanded surveillance powers for intelligence agencies to counter hybrid threats.
- Europe is showing more tangible action by detaining vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet.
- Critics argue that current measures are insufficient to deter Russia, with some Eastern European countries pushing for a harder line.
- The challenges of responding to hybrid warfare highlight the limited options between economic/diplomatic punishment and overt military action.