How European technologies keep reaching Russia’s defence industry through third countries
Despite expanding sanctions, European industrial and navigation technologies continue to reach Russia and Belarus through intermediaries, concealed end users, and re-exports from third countries. Investigations and law-enforcement statements released in August–September 2026 showed that the weak point of the sanctions regime remains control over goods after they have formally left…
Russia is stepping up hybrid influence over the EU election cycle
The autumn 2026 election cycle gives Russia an opportunity to influence political processes in several EU countries at once — Germany, Sweden, Latvia and Bulgaria. The Kremlin has long used information-psychological operations to affect elections. Its core goal remains unchanged: to shape a favorable information environment for loyal politicians and…
What threats does Russian hackers’ use of AI pose to Europe
The use of artificial intelligence in planning and carrying out cyberattacks takes them to a new level. It allows attackers to find ways around individual defensive mechanisms more quickly, automate intrusion, and run complex operations with a smaller team of skilled specialists. A telling example came on 27 August 2026,…
Anatomy of the Russian gray zone in Germany and its political effect
On 1 September 2026, the German federal government attributed to the Russian Federation an attempted sabotage using unmanned aerial vehicles at Leipzig Airport. According to assessments by Germany’s interior and foreign ministers, as well as the police investigation, the nature of the means employed and the available intelligence indicate actions…
How AfD’s campaign against wind power serves the Kremlin’s interests and could harm Germany
Against the backdrop of the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD has turned its fight against wind energy into a tool for mobilizing voters and an argument for returning to Russian energy supplies. On 26 August 2026, NDR noted that in its propaganda materials about wind turbines the party…