NatSec Matters
Russia's 'Shadow War': Bojan Pancevski
Feb 26, 2025
In a gripping discussion, Bojan Pancevski, Chief European Political Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into Russia's newly established Department of Special Tasks. He reveals its covert operations targeting NATO, including sabotage and cyberattacks. Pancevski uncovers the historical motives fueling these actions and the reckless strategies reshaping Russian intelligence post-Ukraine conflict. He also highlights alarming incidents like the DHL plot and parallels to Cold War tactics, emphasizing the urgent need for Western unity against these threats.
49:35
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Quick takeaways
- The establishment of Russia's Department of Special Tasks marks a strategic shift towards aggressive clandestine operations primarily targeting NATO countries.
- The department employs proxy warfare tactics, recruiting unwitting individuals for sabotage and surveillance, enhancing plausible deniability while escalating threats against the West.
Deep dives
Formation of the New Department of Special Tasks
A new Russian intelligence division, the Department of Special Tasks, has been established to coordinate clandestine operations primarily against NATO countries. This department consolidates at least three existing units known for orchestrating prior high-profile missions, including the poisoning of Sergei Skripal. Activated to address perceived failures in Russian intelligence in Ukraine, it operates with a global mandate, particularly focused on Europe. The department reflects a strategic shift towards a more aggressive posture against the West amid ongoing tensions with NATO.
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