Swedish security service thwarts Russian intelligence operation targeting NATO and EU

Sweden's security service, Säpo, revealed on Monday that it has successfully thwarted a Russian intelligence operation designed to discredit Sweden, NATO, and the European Union. The operation involved an "agent" working within a foreign diplomatic mission in Sweden.

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We have collected information about a Russian intelligence operation and taken measures against it.

According to Säpo's statement, the external intelligence service of Russia, SVR, planned and coordinated the operation. Its primary objective was to collect information on Sweden's decision-making processes. This intelligence would then be used to conduct influence operations on divisive societal issues, aiming to undermine Swedish decisions and damage the reputation of Sweden, NATO, and the EU.

Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at Säpo, stated that upon discovering the operation, the agency took immediate measures to protect critical Swedish interests and counter further influence activities. Säpo has consistently flagged Russia, alongside China and Iran, as significant information threats to Sweden.

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One of the objectives of the operation was to collect information about the decision-making process in Sweden, to enable the Russian intelligence services to conduct influence operations in connection with divisive issues in society, with the aim of undermining the Swedish decision-making process and discrediting Sweden, NATO and the EU.

This revelation comes as Western nations increasingly voice concerns about potential Russian actions against NATO in the coming months. Earlier this year, British intelligence warned of possible direct confrontations, while U.S. intelligence services have also issued similar warnings, suggesting Russia might test NATO's resolve through limited attacks.

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After learning about the operation, the Swedish Security Service took measures to protect essential Swedish objectives and to counteract the continuation of influence actions.