Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has ignited a series of global crises, far beyond the immediate battlefield. From covert sabotage operations in Europe to sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, Russia’s aggressive foreign policy marks a dangerous shift toward destabilization and a blatant disregard for international norms.
In the summer of 2023, Russia’s acts of sabotage across Europe escalated dramatically. In April, German authorities apprehended two German-Russian nationals accused of planning attacks on U.S. military facilities. Meanwhile, Polish officials arrested a man suspected of sharing intelligence with Russia’s GRU, focusing on Rzeszow airport, a vital hub for arms shipments to Ukraine. The same month, the UK charged several individuals involved in an arson attack on a Ukrainian logistics company in London, linked to the notorious Wagner Group, a private military contractor controlled by Russia’s GRU (military intelligence agency).
This wave of attacks didn’t stop there. In June, French authorities detained a Russian-Ukrainian individual attempting to construct explosives in a Paris hotel. By July, revelations emerged that Russia had orchestrated an assassination plot targeting Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms manufacturer. The following month, drone sightings at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport disrupted operations, heightening concerns of deliberate sabotage.
Russia’s cyber warfare capabilities have also intensified. In April, hackers linked to the GRU allegedly breached water plants in the U.S. and Poland. By September, an international coalition, including the U.S., UK, and Ukraine, exposed cyberattacks by GRU’s Unit 29155, infamous for its involvement in assassinations, including the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal. These cyberattacks weren’t just for espionage but aimed at creating systemic sabotage by destroying data and spreading misinformation to damage reputations.
Russia’s disruptive activities extend beyond Europe. In Yemen, GRU officers have been collaborating with Houthi rebels, responsible for attacks on ships in the Red Sea. In July, American intelligence revealed that Russia, angered by U.S. missile support to Ukraine, nearly supplied weapons to the Houthis but ultimately backed down due to opposition from Saudi Arabia. This highlights how the Ukraine conflict has deeply influenced Russia’s broader foreign policy, causing it to strain relations with traditional allies.
In Africa, Russia’s influence is expanding aggressively, with mercenaries replacing French and American presences in key regions. In April, the Africa Corps—a successor to Wagner Group—deployed around 100 advisors to Niger, forcing the U.S. to close its last major base in the country.
In the U.S., Russia continues to target elections, seeking to deepen divisions and undermine democratic institutions. Avril Haines, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, called Russia the “most active foreign threat to American elections,” as Moscow views these efforts as a way to weaken the U.S. and position itself as a global superpower.
Russia’s disinformation campaigns have grown more sophisticated, with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT being used to spread pro-Russian propaganda. One notable network, CopyCop, leveraged ChatGPT to manipulate legitimate news articles, injecting Russian-friendly narratives and attacking Western governments. The aim is to amplify pro-Russian views and create chaos within Western societies.
Despite the apparent chaos, Russia’s actions are part of a calculated strategy to destabilize the West and reshape the post-World War II international order. This vision aligns with that of Russia’s strategic partner, China, both of which view the current global framework as outdated and in need of fundamental reform.
Although Russia’s influence has waned in regions like Syria, and its reliance on mercenaries increases, the potential for conflict escalation remains high. Russia’s disregard for international boundaries and willingness to challenge Western tolerance could lead to serious consequences. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Russia’s aggressive foreign policy will push the world closer to a full-scale conflict or if the West can mount an effective response to preserve global stability.
