EU condemns Russia's hybrid tactics, pledges ongoing support for Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union strongly condemns Russia's ongoing hybrid campaigns targeting EU Member States and their partners, according to a statement from the Council of Europe on behalf of the entire Union. Additionally, European authorities reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
According to the statement, these actions form part of a coordinated, long-term strategy by Russia aimed at undermining the security, resilience, and democratic foundations of the EU, its member states, and its partners.
Malicious behavior attributed to Russia, particularly by the GRU military intelligence service, has significantly intensified since the onset of the war against Ukraine and is expected to continue.
Russia’s hybrid campaigns encompass not only cyber-attacks but also sabotage, disruption of critical infrastructure, physical attacks, manipulation of information, interference in democratic processes, and other covert or coercive actions. The EU Council highlighted Romania, which reported a complex hybrid attack by Russia that affected its electoral process, and Germany, which condemned Russia’s involvement in information manipulation carried out via the media platform “RED,” previously targeted by EU sanctions.
The statement emphasized, “The EU remains determined to expose and counter Russia’s hybrid activities and to continue supporting its immediate neighborhood, particularly Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.”
The Union pledges to provide "a proactive, coherent, and sustained response, including asymmetric and proportionate measures, in accordance with international law.” Brussels also reaffirms its commitment to closely cooperate with international partners, especially NATO, to prevent, deter, and counter Russian hybrid threats.
