Special Tasks

Today in the space between war and peace…

• Russia's Secret "Department of Special Tasks" Targets the West Amid the Ukraine Conflict
• Polish Court Convicts Two Russians for Spying and Recruitment Activities
• Poland Detains Russian National in Connection with Sabotage Investigation
• Baltic Sea Police Leaders Enhance Collaboration for Maritime Incident Response
• For Estonian Intelligence Chief "Hybrid Warfare" is an Unhelpful Euphemism
• Sweden's Prime Minister Comments on Possible Cable Sabotage
• Concerns for Australia as Russia Engages in Covert Activities Across Europe
• Exploring Sino-Russian Cooperation in Undersea Cable Operations
• How Artificial Intelligence Can Safeguard Critical Pipelines and Cables Deep in the Ocean
• Ukraine Warns of Growing AI Use in Russian Cyber-Espionage
• Taiwan Employs AI to Address Disinformation Campaigns, Says Former Minister
• Understanding the Future of Conflict in Outer Space

Russia's Secret "Department of Special Tasks" Targets the West Amid the Ukraine Conflict

Western intelligence officials report that Russia has established a covert unit known as the Department of Special Tasks (SSD), aimed at conducting operations against the West in response to support for Ukraine. Based in Moscow, the SSD is reportedly involved in attempted killings, sabotage, and potentially dangerous plots, including placing incendiary devices on planes. The department brings together various intelligence elements and has authority over some functions of the FSB.

According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, the two key figures overseeing the SSD are Col. Gen. Andrey Averyanov and Lt. Gen. Ivan Kasianenko. Averyanov is known for previous operations, including involvement in the annexation of Crimea, while Kasianenko is linked to the 2018 poisoning of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and has recently facilitated transfers of military technology to Iran.

The SSD’s objectives are reported to include carrying out covert operations, infiltrating Western institutions, and recruiting foreign agents, particularly from Ukraine and countries friendly to Russia. Western intelligence continues to monitor and respond to the activities of this new Russian unit, which reflects Moscow's increasing aggression against perceived Western threats.

Polish Court Convicts Two Russians for Spying and Recruitment Activities

In Kraków, two Russian men identified as "Andrei G." and "Alexei T." have been fined and face potential prison time after being convicted of espionage and distributing recruitment stickers for the Wagner Group. They were apprehended by Poland's Internal Security and charged with engaging in hybrid warfare on behalf of Russia, although they denied any involvement in spying activities. The court found that their actions aided Russian intelligence operations, with Judge Karp-Sieklucka highlighting the implications for national security. Despite their expressions of remorse during the proceedings, the prosecutor argued that the sentence was too lenient. The defense has indicated plans to appeal the decision. Poland currently has no diplomatic relations with Russia, complicating any potential prisoner transfer.

Poland Detains Russian National in Connection with Sabotage Investigation

A Russian national has been deported to Poland over allegations of sabotage against Poland, the U.S., and their allies. Polish authorities, supported by the Internal Security Agency (ABW), are investigating these acts, linked to arson attacks and seen as a threat to EU security. The suspect has been detained for three months, and this case is part of a broader inquiry into an international sabotage network, with other suspects also apprehended. Polish and international agencies have been praised for their collaboration in this ongoing investigation.

Baltic Sea Police Leaders Enhance Collaboration for Maritime Incident Response

On February 12, 2025, police chiefs from countries on the Baltic Sea convened in Helsinki to strengthen maritime incident cooperation, focusing on tools like the Prüm Convention. Finnish Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki highlighted the need for a unified response, while Interior Minister Mari Rantanen emphasized the importance of smooth cross-border collaboration in an evolving security landscape. The discussions addressed issues such as offshore infrastructure damage, hybrid threats, and the need for enhanced information exchange and harmonized law enforcement practices. Participants committed to continued collaboration.

For Estonian Intelligence Chief “Hybrid Warfare” is an Unhelpful Euphemism

Estonia's Foreign Intelligence chief Kaupo Rosin has expressed concerns regarding the use of the term "hybrid" to describe Russian sabotage activities, advocating for more robust responses. Given its historical experiences with Russian interference, Estonia is a strong supporter of Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. The country allocates substantial resources towards its security, and it has achieved notable success in European counterintelligence activities. Estonia's legal framework provides effective measures to deter Russian espionage. While European countries may adopt varied approaches to security, Estonia's firm position is often recognized for its effectiveness.

Sweden's Prime Minister Comments on Possible Cable Sabotage

At the Munich Security Conference, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson suggested that the recent cuts to Baltic Sea cables could be acts of sabotage rather than mere coincidences. In response to cable damage, Sweden and Finland have seized ships that were involved, suspecting intentional disruption. While Western assessments typically view these incidents as accidents, Kristersson expresses skepticism towards the frequent occurrences attributed to "bad seamanship." The situation is further complicated by hybrid threats, such as Russia's alleged "shadow fleet," which is suspected of evading sanctions. In light of these concerns, NATO allies are strengthening their defenses in the Baltic region to guard against potential sabotage.

Concerns for Australia as Russia Engages in Covert Activities Across Europe

Experts caution that the risks of sabotage are rising globally, posing threats to critical infrastructure and potentially eroding public trust in governmental institutions. There are worries that NATO's reluctance to act could encourage further attacks, with repercussions that could extend worldwide, including to nations like Australia. Strengthening resilience and fostering alliances are seen as vital steps moving forward.

Exploring Sino-Russian Cooperation in Undersea Cable Operations

According to a report by the Jamestown Foundation, suspicious activities by Chinese and Russian merchant vessels near Taiwan in 2025 indicate possible collaboration on undersea communications cable sabotage, reminiscent of past incidents in the Baltic Sea. Evidence suggests coordinated efforts using civilian ships to target critical infrastructure. Recent events, including the damage to the Balticconnector Pipeline in October 2023 and the cable cuttings in November 2024, highlight growing concerns about gray zone warfare tactics employed by both Beijing and Moscow.

How Artificial Intelligence Can Safeguard Critical Pipelines and Cables Deep in the Ocean

AI is enhancing undersea security by protecting critical pipelines and cables from sabotage threats vital to the global economy. It integrates data from sonar, satellites, and sensors to create real-time ocean maps for threat detection.

However, challenges remain, as only 10% of the ocean is mapped, and more infrastructure is needed for effective threat detection. AI is also crucial in NATO's defense strategies, including initiatives like the Argus project by North.io.

Ukraine Warns of Growing AI Use in Russian Cyber-Espionage

Russia employs AI to enhance cyberattacks targeting the Ukrainian military, according to Ihor Malchenyuk, director of the cyber defense department at Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection (SSCIP). It utilizes stolen data for personalized phishing on encrypted platforms. This approach increases operational effectiveness and involves collaborations between state-backed hackers and cybercriminals. Other countries and tech companies have also observed similar AI-related threats, including potential abuse of deepfake technology.

Taiwan Employs AI to Address Disinformation Campaigns, Says Former Minister

At the Munich Security Conference, Taiwan's former digital minister, Audrey Tang, discussed how AI is used to combat disinformation, particularly from Chinese sources on social media. Through the "Alignment Assemblies" project, AI tools facilitate real-time discussions with citizens, capturing and summarizing their concerns. The initiative focuses on major platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok, encouraging dialogue among users. Tang, now ambassador-at-large, advocates for the adoption of disinformation detection algorithms by these platforms.

Understanding the Future of Conflict in Outer Space

The strategic landscape of warfare has shifted from conventional battlefields to space, where conflicts occur through indirect means rather than direct violence. Initial space conflicts focused on reconnaissance and anti-satellite weapons, while modern strategies emphasize disruption using non-kinetic methods like cyberattacks and signal jamming. China's integration of civilian and military space initiatives challenges U.S. dominance, leading to strategic maneuvering and the covert use of civilian space assets by both nations. Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in identifying orbital threats, highlighting the gray zone of orbital warfare, where success relies on stealthy positioning and influence rather than open confrontation.