Russian Hybrid Warfare and Threats from the High North to the Black Sea

The panel was moderated by Mr. Tudor Curtifan, Editor-in-Chief at Defense Romania. The speakers were Ms. Alina Bârgăoanu, Senior Associate Expert of New Strategy Center and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations, SNSPA, Romania; Mr. Jakub Godzimirski, Research Professor at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI); Ms. Svitlana Kovalchuk, Executive Director at Yalta European Strategy, Ukraine; Mr. Sabin Orcan, Editorial Director at Newsweek Romania; and Mr. Nicolas Barotte, Journalist at Le Figaro, France.

Regardless of the term used – hybrid warfare, gray warfare, political warfare – this type of conflict is characterized by a combination of conventional and unconventional tactics aimed at causing instability, confusion, and panic. Russia has significantly escalated the use of hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks, as part of its war against Ukraine. Since the invasion began, the number of cyberattacks against Ukraine has increased significantly, from 20 to 80 per month. Additionally, techniques such as propaganda, disinformation, information manipulation, and fear-mongering have been intensively employed by Russia to influence public opinion in Western states and undermine support for Ukraine. Countering hybrid warfare is not a simple task. Its complexity far exceeds the capabilities of the military sector, requiring active engagement and close collaboration from civil society, national structures, and international organizations.