Russia Responsible for 80% of Global Foreign Influence Operations, Says Czech Foreign Minister

Russia is accountable for 80% of all global foreign influence operations, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky stated at a conference in Prague on October 9.

"Currently, Russia is responsible for 80% of influence operations worldwide, which is four times more than the rest of the world combined," Lipavsky said.

He emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its vigilance in countering these threats.

"We must demonstrate greater determination in combating Kremlin influence than we have thus far. The solution lies in strategic communication, sanctions, exposing crimes, and leveraging existing legal measures," Lipavsky added.

Earlier this week, senior US intelligence officials warned of increasing malign influence campaigns from adversaries in the US ahead of the November 5 elections.

Russia's intelligence agencies are intensifying their espionage efforts, particularly in regions close to the United States. Reports indicate that these agencies are employing tactics reminiscent of the Cold War, utilizing agents in countries like Mexico to gather information and monitor American activities.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, European nations expelled around 600 Russian diplomats, with about 400 suspected of being intelligence officers.