A U.K.-based think tank warns that Russia is reviving its capacity to disrupt European nations and expand its influence in the Middle East and Africa, posing a significant threat to NATO amid the focus on Ukraine’s war. According to the Royal United Services Institute, Western nations must intensify efforts to counter Moscow’s unconventional warfare to effectively combat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The report highlights Russia’s interest in sowing discord beyond Ukraine, targeting regions like the Balkans and exploiting upcoming elections across Europe.
The 35-page report, released shortly before the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, emphasizes the Kremlin’s ambition to destabilize Ukraine’s allies and strengthen its ability to execute unconventional attacks. Despite past failures in countries like Moldova, Russian military capabilities are being bolstered for future operations. Drawing on insights from Russian secret services and interviews with officials from Ukraine and European states, the report underscores the need for sustained vigilance beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine.
The threat posed by Russia extends beyond Ukraine and requires collective vigilance and proactive measures from targeted states and their allies, according to the report. It calls for heightened awareness and cooperation to mitigate Russia’s efforts to undermine stability and manipulate political processes across Europe and beyond.
