The Gray Zone Between War and Peace: The Netherlands Warns of Russian Aggression.

In the Netherlands, there are increasing hybrid attacks aimed at destabilization and weakening of society. The Ministry of Defense and the country's security service, known as MIVD, report a rise in Russian aggression. This information is contained in the public annual report of MIVD.

MIVD has detected various actions by Russia in the Netherlands. In 2024, a Russian hacker group executed a cyberattack on the country's public infrastructure management system. Additionally, MIVD observed a Russian cyber operation against critical infrastructure in the Netherlands, which could serve as preparation for sabotage. The network could not be breached. Furthermore, Russia has been conducting cyberattacks on websites of political parties and public transport companies in the Netherlands to complicate voting in the European elections. Due to its geographical location and strategic significance for NATO and Europe's defense, the Netherlands is within Russia's area of interest.

MIVD has warned that Russian units have been mapping infrastructure in the North Sea for some time, including internet cables and energy supplies. Underwater activities indicative of espionage and preparations for breaches and sabotage have been observed. Actual breaches could lead to serious damage and destabilization both in the Netherlands and in other parts of the world.

'The threat from Russia against Europe is not diminishing; on the contrary, it is increasing,' emphasizes MIVD director Vice Admiral Peter Resink. According to him, the pace of NATO's military potential build-up is now significantly slower than that of Russia, especially due to the latter's transition to a military economy.

'This annual report confirms that we live in a rapidly changing era between war and peace,' comments Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. 'The task is clear. We need to protect ourselves every day from cyberattacks, espionage, and attempts at sabotage in the Netherlands. At the same time, we must accelerate the strengthening of our military potential both in the Netherlands and within NATO to prevent vulnerabilities against Russia. Only then can we stop further Russian aggression towards Europe.'

Resink adds: 'Rapid changes in international politics and alliances challenge the certainty we can rely on. Factors influencing security, the speed of these changes, and potential consequences - all of this is unprecedented.'