Dutch Intelligence Warns: Russia's Shadow Looms Between Peace and War

Russia is intensifying its hybrid assaults against the Netherlands and other European partners. The nation is now facing an actual confrontation in the ambiguous region between warfare and peacetime, as reported by the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD).

Vice Admiral Peter Reesink, director of MIVD, stated that we can observe an increasing Russian threat to Europe, notably following the potential conclusion of the conflict with Ukraine.

As he stated, NATO's military expansion is currently proceeding at a significantly slower rate compared to Russia's. This can be attributed partially to Russia having transitioned to a militarized economic system.

The MIVD stated that they initially identified an assault by Russian cyber attackers on the digital operating system used within the Dutch civil service during the previous year.

"The conflict in the gray zone between war and peace has become a reality. State actors are increasingly trying to undermine our society through hybrid attacks. Russia is increasingly willing to take risks," Reesink said.

The statement further indicated that a Russian cyberoperation targeting crucial Dutch infrastructures was identified, potentially serving as groundwork for possible sabotage activities.

Hybrid warfare

The document outlines that hybrid threats encompass a range from physical tampering with vital facilities to spreading misinformation campaigns.

The MIVD described these assaults as a blend of conventional espionage activities mixed with cyberattacks along with various efforts aimed at manipulating and destabilizing societal structures.

The agency restated its cautionary messages that Russian organizations are examining infrastructure in the North Sea, intending to conduct espionage and sabotage targeting internet cables, as well as water and energy supply systems.

Last year, Ken McCallum, who leads British Intelligence agency MI5, charged Russia with orchestrating an alarmingly bold series of disruptive activities across Europe. This campaign involved numerous cyber-attacks and instances of arson that were connected to actions taken by Moscow.