By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgian Chief of Defense Frederik Vansina on Wednesday warned that Russia poses a growing threat to Belgium and Europe through sabotage, disinformation, and covert operations.
Speaking on broadcaster RTL's program, Vansina said Russia employs unconventional methods to destabilize European countries.
"If there's one thing the Russians are absolutely masters at, it's covering up their game. We know, through our National Security Service, that, for example, they hire criminals to commit certain acts, not only in Belgium, but throughout Europe," he said.
Vansina underlined that Russian intelligence services operate as "shadow armies," excelling in manipulation, disinformation, and deception.
"It's always extremely complicated with the Russians to really catch them red-handed," he added.
He further pointed to a surge in sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and even violent plots across Europe, citing attempted kidnappings and assassinations, including the 2018 Novichok poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in the UK, as well as the attack targeting Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger in Germany.