In the coming weeks and months, Russia is likely to intensify its hybrid warfare to sow discord in European capitals and populations via cyberspace, including through digital vandalism, sabotage and influence operations. The situation is increasingly uncertain, not least due to news that the United States Cyber Command has paused offensive cyber operations against Russia. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s orders may have been part of a wider negotiation package to draw Russian President Vladimir Putin into talks on the future of Ukraine. However, the reality is that a halt in cyber operations risks emboldening Russian cyber actors who over the past year have expanded their targeting to include aviation, education, government, law enforcement and military organisations.
Europe needs both sword and shield to deter Russia (Charlie Edwards, IISS)
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