Russia continues to escalate the “hybrid war” against Ukraine according to Ukraine’s Security Service, the SBU. SBU accused Russia of being behind a recent cyberattack that defaced government websites with messages supporting pro-Russian separatists and criticizing Ukraine's new president.
This is the latest in a series of cyberattacks, propaganda campaigns and other tactics that Russia has been using in an attempt to destabilize Ukraine. The Russian government has denied any involvement in these activities but despite Moscow's denials, Ukraine continues to accuse Russia of waging a full-scale hybrid war.
This term, "hybrind war" refers to the use of a mix of traditional and non-traditional warfare tactics, often blurring the line between peace and war. Ukraine has been on the frontline of this type of conflict for years now and has had to develop strategies to counter Russia's increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Despite being outgunned and at times outmaneuvered, Ukraine refers to its experience with hybrid warfare as a "success story." Ukraine has been able to largely defend itself against Russian aggression and has even managed to gain some ground, both militarily and diplomatically.
The latest cyberattack is just the latest indication that Russia is not planning on backing down anytime soon. Ukraine will need to continue to be vigilant in defending itself against Russia's hybrid war tactics.