The Guardian newspaper reported that European countries are concerned that Russia is gaining ground in a “hybrid war” against the West, a war that ranges from cyberattacks and social media activity to sabotage, political intervention and exploitation of economic and social discontent.
European military officials have warned that the situation could weaken Europe’s political cohesion and reduce NATO’s ability to deal with a protracted war with Russia. European military planners told a meeting hosted by the Munich Security Conference that Europe is not currently prepared to endure a long war of attrition.
The concerns of European officials are not limited to military shortages, but also concern the psychological and political readiness of the public to bear the costs of a long war. For this reason, some NATO planners have emphasized preparing the alliance for a relatively short war.
The Guardian wrote that Moscow is trying to influence the political atmosphere and public opinion of European countries by using social networks, artificial intelligence cyberattacks on databases, critical infrastructure, and sabotage operations.
The newspaper added that Russia is not only relying on disinformation, but is also exploiting real problems such as the decline in purchasing power of low wages and people’s fatigue from the costs of the war in Ukraine.
The rise in support for populist and right-wing parties in some key European countries has also raised concerns among security officials, who fear that elections next year in countries such as Poland, France, Italy and Germany could strengthen these trends and reduce public support for increased military spending and aid to Ukraine.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said that the country is the target of cyberattacks every day and that the possibility of Russian interference in next year’s elections cannot be ignored. Italian Defense Minister Corso has also warned about Russian activity in cyberspace and critical infrastructure, but has emphasized that not all dissatisfaction in Western societies should be attributed to Russian propaganda.
