Feb 23 • 13:02 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

Not the Familiar Spies: Behind Russia's Sabotage Campaign in Europe Lie a New Breed of Agents

Western security officials have suggested that recent sabotage efforts in Europe are part of a shadow war conducted by Russian intelligence, featuring new types of agents.

Recent incidents in Europe, such as arson attacks and plots to plant explosives, are part of a broader strategy employed by Russian intelligence services. According to Western security officials, these acts—like the destruction of over a thousand businesses near Warsaw and the burning of an IKEA store in Lithuania—illustrate a shift in tactics by Russia, moving to unconventional methods of warfare. The operations appear to be coordinated and are executed by a new generation of agents operating under the Kremlin's directive.

These new agents are fundamentally different from the traditional spies often associated with espionage; they are not just tasked with gathering information but are actively engaging in sabotage and destabilization efforts. The implications of this shift are significant, suggesting that Russia is intensifying its operations in Europe, possibly as a response to geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed by Western nations. Such activities risk escalating conflicts and could lead to broader retaliatory measures.

The revelation about these agents points to a growing concern among European nations about their security and the possibility of being targeted by state-sponsored acts of terrorism. The strategic use of sabotage aims to undermine public confidence in governments and create discord among nations. As the West contemplates its response, the need for heightened security measures and closer cooperation among intelligence agencies becomes paramount to counteract these threats effectively.

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