Feb 24 • 15:00 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

Prof. Maciej Milczanowski: Conclusions from the attacks in Moscow, Dnipro, and Lviv? The first line of defense is intelligence

Recent attacks targeting police in Lviv, Dnipro, and Moscow raise questions about the evolving nature of terrorism and hybrid warfare.

On February 22, Lviv witnessed an explosion that resulted in the tragic death of a 23-year-old police officer, followed by a similar attack in Dnipro on February 23, where an improvised explosive device detonated at a police station but fortunately caused no injuries. The night of February 24 saw an explosion in Moscow, where a bomber targeted a traffic police vehicle. Both Ukrainian and Russian authorities have labeled these incidents as terrorist acts, prompting discussions on whether they are components of a hybrid war strategy.

Maciej Milczanowski, a prominent voice in this discourse, pointed out that the definition of terrorism is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in light of recent events. Historically, many such attacks would have been categorized solely as terrorism, but the distinction between traditional terrorism and new forms arising from asymmetric warfare is becoming increasingly blurred. The nature of the perpetrators and their tactics plays a crucial role in framing these events within the broader context of conflict.

The implication of these attacks is far-reaching, as they not only raise concerns about national security for both Ukraine and Russia but also serve as a reflection of the ongoing hybrid warfare strategies that both nations are grappling with. Discussions about intelligence and preventative measures are more critical than ever, as experts like Milczanowski urge for a nuanced understanding of these emerging threats in the face of evolving warfare.

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