Dutch Military Intelligence Service warns of growing threat from Russia
The Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) warns that both the threat of destabilization on the part of Russia, as well as a sharp increase in cyber threats, is becoming increasingly severe.
This is stated in the annual report published by the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
"Destabilization is partly due to Russian hybrid wars and the global spread of modern weapons systems by them among regimes that do not perceive the West positively. There is also the subversive impact of cyber threats," the report said.
As noted, hacker attacks can be used for espionage, manipulation of information, and sabotage of vital systems and networks. "The consequences can be harmful to the Dutch armed forces, the economy and infrastructure," the document stresses.
The department noted that the threat from Russia has changed over several years, and combines an increase in military force, hybrid war, influence on Western elections and more.
"Russia wants to maintain influence in the countries that surround it and attain a substantially smaller role for NATO, because it feels threatened. Moreover, Russia wants to be recognized as a military superpower capable of waging large conflicts," the MIVD said.
The Department noted that, apart from military force, Russia does not limit its use of hybrid weapons to military affairs, but also try to influence national elections, public opinion, etc., using cyberspace as an instrument.