The Truth of the Matter Russia's Shadow War Against the West
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Mar 21, 2025 
Seth Jones, president of the CSIS Defense and Security Department, sheds light on Russia's unconventional warfare tactics against the West. He delves into the alarming rise of sabotage operations and how Russia leverages local and global networks for espionage. With a detailed database of attacks, he reveals the kinetic impacts on military supply chains and the pervasive nature of misinformation campaigns designed to destabilize Western unity. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a reevaluation of NATO's strategies in response to these aggressive operations.
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Focus on Kinetic Actions
- Seth Jones's report focuses on Russia's kinetic sabotage and subversion, excluding routine cyber operations or misinformation campaigns.
- The study analyzes the actual physical effects of these actions.
Russian Sabotage Tactics
- Russia uses various tactics, with bombings and incendiaries being the most common.
- They target companies producing or storing weapons for Ukraine, using explosives rather than traditional ordnance.
Actors in Russia's Shadow War
- Russia's GRU, specifically units like the 161 Center and Unit 29155, spearhead these shadow war activities.
- They also recruit local assets, foreign students, and diaspora members in Europe, sometimes with help from SVR and FSB.