Europe Warns: Russia Intensifies Technology Theft Amid Economic Pressure, Launching More Aggressive Intelligence Operations Against the West
According to the Associated Press, multiple senior European intelligence officials have stated that under continued Western sanctions and the prolonged toll of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian intelligence agencies are intensifying efforts to obtain Western technology and defense secrets, with operations becoming more proactive and complex.
Officials noted that Russia is employing tactics such as establishing shell companies, recruiting intermediaries, and deploying cyber spies and hackers to gather the technologies and intelligence it needs. These activities not only involve acquiring technical know-how but also collecting information on critical infrastructure—information that could potentially be used in future cyberattacks.
International sanctions over the past four years have weakened Russia’s ability to acquire machinery, advanced technologies, and scientific research from Europe. At the same time, the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to exert pressure on several key Russian industries and exposes the country to potential financial risks.
Christopher Wädelin, Deputy Director of Operations at Sweden’s Security Service, said Russia clearly understands its technological needs and is investing substantial resources to secure advanced machine tools, industrial equipment, scientific research, and dual-use technologies.
In Sweden, Russia is particularly focused on defense industry projects and high-end research related to advanced weapons systems, including technologies associated with the "Gripen" fighter jet. Wädelin also pointed out that Russia is attempting to acquire camera and laser technologies originally intended for civilian use, so they can be integrated into weapon systems.
Juhana Märtelius, Director of Finland’s National Security and Intelligence Service, said Russia is also seeking key technologies crucial for maintaining competitiveness—or even gaining an edge—for decades to come. Among these areas are space technology, quantum technology, Arctic technology, and marine technology. Space technology, he noted, is one of the fields currently most urgently needed by Russia—technologies often applied in satellite imaging, communications, and navigation.
In addition, Russia still requires computer technologies restricted by sanctions and software updates for industrial machine tools.
Anne Kistler-Butler, head of the UK’s signals intelligence agency, recently stated that Russia has been consistently targeting the UK and its European allies, including stealing technology and planning acts of sabotage and assassination.
In May this year, Swedish police arrested two individuals suspected of violating sanctions. The case involved a company based in Turkey that had exported dozens of batches of metalworking and turning machine tools to Russia.
Wädelin warned that as Russia’s channels for acquiring technology grow increasingly complex, businesses must remain vigilant, as they may unknowingly become part of Russia’s wartime supply chain. He emphasized that all of Russia’s security and intelligence agencies are working together to help the state obtain these critical technologies.
Besides technology theft, Russia is also accused of using cyberattacks to collect intelligence. Wädelin said Russia is conducting cyber operations against European companies and critical infrastructure, and will exploit them when it deems the timing favorable and aligned with its interests.
He cited an example from last year, when a Swedish power plant was targeted by a cyberattack linked to Russia. The attackers attempted to disrupt the facility, but their intrusion was detected in time by security systems, preventing success. He believes part of the objective was to weaken Western support for Ukraine.
Sweden noted that prior to this incident, most observed activities were primarily reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, or related to cybercrime. This event, however, indicates a shift in Russia’s operational pattern.
Wädelin pointed out that Russia now appears less concerned about being tracked or attributed for its actions, making it willing to take greater risks to achieve its goals.
Meanwhile, several intelligence officials believe Russia’s increasingly aggressive actions are closely tied to mounting domestic economic pressures.
Kaupo Rosin, Head of Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said Russia’s current economic situation is far from ideal. Finland noted that nearly one-third of Russia’s GDP is currently being allocated to war-related expenditures. The war and sanctions together are stifling economic growth and driving inflation upward.
Rosin said Russia had originally projected a budget deficit of 3.7 trillion rubles for the entire year of 2026, but by the end of February, the deficit had already approached 3.4 trillion rubles.
He also noted that the outbreak of war in Iran in late February led to a rise in international oil prices, which brought some additional revenue to Russia. The United States granted a sanction exemption on Russian oil sales, while the UK eased certain sanctions to reduce global fuel costs.
Although increased energy revenues have improved Russia’s fiscal position, Rosin believes this is insufficient to address fundamental problems. If Western pressure continues, Russia could face a financial crisis later this year.
Based on information from Estonia’s intelligence services, Russian officials’ internal assessments of future prospects have grown increasingly pessimistic over the past six months, and talk of “complete victory” regarding Ukraine has gradually faded.
Märtelius said that although some reports on the war in Ukraine may be filtered or edited before reaching President Putin, he believes Putin still has a clear understanding of current economic challenges. However, he stressed that even so, one cannot infer political changes in Russia based on this. Märtelius warned that analyzing Russia through the lens of Western nations is extremely dangerous, because Russia does not operate within the same system as Western countries.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866612364231704/
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