Russia remains biggest threat to Europe, Swiss intelligence report says

Swiss intelligence says Russia remains the biggest threat to security, stability and peace in Europe, and that its goals extend far beyond Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing Swiss government, based on the annual security report by the Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) on security in Switzerland and around the world

Details: The report states that the security situation in Switzerland has deteriorated significantly in recent years and over the past year.

"Russia seeks to restore its influence in Eastern Europe and as a global player, as well as establish itself as a great power," the Swiss government said. Bern believes Moscow is waging a broad and long-term conflict against the West using hybrid means.

Moreover, Bern believes this conflict is escalating and that Russia is using sabotage, influence operations, propaganda and disinformation, among other tools.

"Switzerland is directly affected primarily by cyberattacks, prohibited intelligence activities, proliferation efforts, as well as influence operations and disinformation," the report also states. It adds that Moscow has developed a comprehensive strategy to circumvent sanctions imposed on it by Western countries.

The report also refers to Russia's revisionist intentions, its war economy, mass rearmament and the threat it poses to Europe.

The Swiss government points out that since US President Donald Trump's administration came to power last year, it is no longer certain whether the United States will continue to uphold Europe's security and defence. Although many European countries are now seeking to strengthen the continent's defence capabilities, it is unclear whether this will be enough for deterrence and self-defence.

In other parts of the report, the Swiss government points, among other things, to the threat of terrorism, which it says still comes mainly from jihadists, especially individuals or small groups who may attack civilians using simple means.

Background:

• In April, Ants Kiviselg, director of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) Military Intelligence Centre, said he does not see a threat of a Russian attack on the Baltic states.
• Estonian Defence Forces Commander Andrus Merilo has said he sees a risk that Russia could be ready for renewed aggression shortly after the possible end of the Russo-Ukrainian war, with 2027 seen as the earliest potential timeframe.

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