The hybrid warfare campaign conducted by Russia against Europe – which includes acts of sabotage, cyber attacks, air incursions and drone raids – pursues three main objectives, claims Kirilo Budanov, the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR), in an interview given to the Italian publication Il Foglio.
According to Budanov, these actions are not random and are part of what, in military language, is called “reconnaissance by combat” – a strategy meant to test both the reaction of the adversary and the efficiency of their own methods.
“Putin is psychologically preparing the Russian population. He wants to destroy in the minds of the Russians the image of a strong, respected Europe. He shows them that Europe is worth nothing”, Budanov stated.
Testing the political and military reflexes of the West
A second objective of Moscow, says the head of the GUR, is a pragmatic one: each drone attack or sabotage incident also serves to evaluate Europe’s reaction.
“The Russians are testing your reaction, your ability to make quick decisions, your willingness to use force. At the same time, they are conducting reconnaissance: they identify defense systems, their mode of operation and exact positions”, Budanov explained. “It’s a dual test – political and military.”
The stake: eroding support for Ukraine
The accumulation of these actions – from cyber attacks and sabotage of industrial or railway infrastructure, to drones violating the airspace of NATO countries – has, in Budanov’s opinion, a clear purpose: undermining the European public opinion and fueling war weariness.
“For Russia, it’s a double win. If Europeans get tired of this conflict, the aid provided to Ukraine will decrease. At the same time, Moscow spreads the idea that it’s not worth getting involved in a war with Russia. This is, in fact, their internal logic”, emphasized the head of the Ukrainian army’s intelligence services.
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