Kallas: Hybrid attacks against Europe will continue as long as Putin is not stopped

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that Russia's hybrid attacks targeting European countries are steadily increasing. Kallas emphasized that stronger measures must be taken against Moscow and that the cost of these attacks must be raised.

Speaking at the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg under the title "Hybrid threats against EU members," Kallas stated that there has been a steady increase in hybrid activities against Europe since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

According to Kallas, Moscow uses different methods depending on the country it targets. In some countries, the information space is manipulated, social divisions are deepened, and electoral processes are interfered with. In others, military infrastructure, public transport networks, and critical infrastructure are targeted.

EMPHASIS ON INTELLIGENCE AND SANCTIONS

The EU High Representative said that intelligence sharing is of central importance in countering these threats. Kallas stated, "Our joint intelligence must cover all of Russia's hybrid tools. Intelligence sharing is vital."

Stating that Russia-linked attacks must continue to be exposed publicly, Kallas called for sanctions to be imposed on the individuals and entities behind these actions. Kallas said that EU sanctions have deprived the Russian economy of 1 trillion euros to date, and that the "largest sanctions list to date" is nearing completion.

Kallas also noted that Russia's "shadow fleet" is being gradually dismantled. Expressing that controls on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area could be tightened, Kallas noted that issuing visas to Russia's former combatants could be banned and that the tourist visa policy for Russian citizens could be re-evaluated.

Kallas said, "We must shrink the pool of people who carry out attacks on European soil."

Stating that information manipulation and interference must be detected more quickly, Kallas expressed that AI-powered tools could be utilized in this area. She also emphasized the need to train personnel serving in EU delegations and to map out the fraud networks Russia uses to recruit people for its attacks.

Stating that Europe should not act out of fear in the face of Russia's hybrid activities, Kallas said, "Putin is the definition of a bully. Moscow's hybrid attacks are designed to scare us, paralyze our societies, and make us hesitate to act. That is exactly what Putin wants."

Kallas stated that electoral processes should not be allowed to be shaped by an atmosphere of fear, adding, "As long as Putin is not stopped, he will not stop. As Russia becomes prepared to take greater risks, Europe must make it pay a higher price."

News Source: 12punto