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Russia Is Stepping Up Its Covert War Beyond Ukraine

In this article, Professor Bart Schuurman examines how Russia is escalating its covert operations against European countries, analysing the increasing frequency and severity of these actions beyond the conflict in Ukraine.

Author
Bart Schuurman
Date
10 January 2025
Links
Read the full article here

The article reveals how, since 2022, Russian operations targeting Europe have surged dramatically, with 2024 witnessing a sharp increase in sabotage, assassinations, and acts of state-directed terrorism. These include attacks on undersea infrastructure, civil aviation, and water facilities, alongside influence campaigns aimed at eroding European support for Ukraine. The research underscores Russia's strategy of escalating below the nuclear threshold to weaken Europe’s resolve while signalling its willingness to disrupt regional stability. Schuurman argues for a more assertive European response to counter these threats effectively.

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