13:15 8 December 2024
Hybrid War is Already Raging Across Europe
In Europe and around the world, hybrid warfare has been ongoing for at least 15 years, with varying intensities. Its model is constantly evolving, driven by the emergence of new tools, primarily digital ones, enabling social, political, and even kinetic influence on a global scale without formally declaring war. Such hybrid warfare occurred during the U.S. elections between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, where foreign interference undeniably influenced the outcome. Foreign meddling also played a role in the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. Acts of sabotage, terror, or similar incidents occur daily across Europe.
"Looking at the conflict in Ukraine, we now understand that these activities are not confined to Ukrainian territory. They also take place in what we call hybrid warfare – a form of conflict that impacts not only Ukraine but all European countries, Western Europe, NATO nations, and those actively supporting Ukraine against Russia," retired Colonel Maciej Matysiak, an expert from the Stratpoints Foundation and former deputy head of the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW), said.
