Russia's hybrid warfare against Europe escalates during Ukraine peace talks — Dutch intel

Reuters writes that Russia is stepping up its use of hybrid tactics to destabilize the Netherlands and other European countries, according to a new report from the Dutch military intelligence agency (MIVD). The agency revealed that Russian hackers have already launched attacks targeting Dutch public services.

"We see the Russian threat against Europe is increasing, including after a possible end to the war against Ukraine," MIVD director Peter Reesink said in the agency's annual report.

"The conflict in the grey zone between war and peace has become a reality. More and more, state actors try to undermine our society with hybrid attacks. Russia especially ... is increasingly prepared to take risks," he said.

The MIVD confirmed that, for the first time, it had identified a Russian cyberattack targeting the digital systems of an unnamed Dutch public institution in 2023. It also uncovered a Russian cyber operation aimed at critical national infrastructure, possibly laying the groundwork for future sabotage.

Hybrid threats, as defined by the agency, range from cyberattacks and espionage to disinformation and physical sabotage. These operations are designed to erode public trust, disrupt essential services, and exert political pressure without direct military confrontation.

The agency emphasized the growing complexity and frequency of such attacks, urging greater vigilance and international cooperation to counteract these evolving threats.

• Ukrainian Volunteer Army spokesman Serhiy Bratchuk noted that during the "Easter truce," Russian forces carried out rotational activities across all frontline areas.