“First of all I would like to say that you are exactly right (Russian hybrid activities are out of focus and we need to counter them in parallel lines – ed.). Russia has a full-spectrum concept of war,” Volker said.
The diplomat noted that it is not just about artillery fire, but also about the economic pressure, operations against Ukraine’s exports, energy sector, and information space. He also recalled Russia’s efforts to divide Europe, including through energy blackmail, as well as to meddle in the U.S.
Ukraine and its Western allies and partners need to have their own strategy and think “across the full spectrum” as well.
“I don’t think that our mind is in this mode yet, but this is what we need to do,” Volker believes.
To a question of whether the countering of Russian hybrid operations should be expanded Volker answered affirmatively, adding that “I wouldn’t go chasing every rabbit down every hole.”
“I would think instead strategically – what is it that matters and how do we have our own proactive strategy to advance that,” said Kurt Volker.
