Kremlin spies are becoming more aggressive. How Russia is trying to steal military secrets and strategic technologies from Europe
Under pressure from Western sanctions and the huge costs of the war in Ukraine, Russia is stepping up its espionage operations in Europe, seeking to obtain advanced technology and sensitive information needed for its military industry.
Russian spies/PHOTO: Archive
According to an Associated Press investigation citing three senior European intelligence officials, Russian agents are using increasingly sophisticated and aggressive methods: setting up shell companies, recruiting middlemen and using hacker networks to collect information on critical infrastructure and Western technology programs.
Russia is hunting cutting-edge military technology and research
European officials say Moscow is prioritizing access to modern industrial equipment, dual-use technologies – civilian and military – and research projects that could contribute to the development of Russian weaponry.
“The Russians know very clearly what they are looking for and are making considerable efforts to obtain advanced machinery, industrial equipment, scientific research results and technologies that may have military applications,” said Christopher Wedelin, the deputy chief of operations at Sweden's security service.
According to him, one of the main targets of the Russian secret services in Sweden is the defense industry, including projects related to the Gripen fighter plane, one of the most modern devices developed in Europe.
Russian agents are also interested in optical technologies, laser systems and other innovations originally created for civilian use but which could be adapted for weapons systems.
Moscow seeks to recover the technological gap with the West
The head of Finland's Security and Intelligence Service, Juha Martelius, says that the Kremlin's interest goes beyond the traditional military domain.
“We're talking about space technologies, quantum technologies, arctic solutions and maritime technologies”the Finnish official explained.
In addition, Russia is seeking to obtain sanctioned IT equipment and software updates for industrial machinery on which military production depends.
According to sources cited by the Associated Press, all Russian intelligence services are involved in this coordinated campaign to collect Western technologies.
Cyber attacks are becoming more and more dangerous
In addition to classic espionage operations, Russia is also stepping up cyber attacks on European companies and critical infrastructure.
An alarming example was recorded in 2025, when cyber actors associated with Russia tried to compromise the operation of a power plant in Sweden.
The attempt failed after security systems detected and blocked the intrusion before it could cause damage.
For the Swedish intelligence services, the incident was a wake-up call about Moscow's change in tactics.
“So far we've mainly seen reconnaissance, intelligence gathering or collaborations with cybercrime groups. Now we're seeing a greater willingness to move to direct action”Wedelin explained.
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European services: Russia takes bigger risks
Security experts say Moscow appears less and less concerned about the possibility of its operations being discovered.
“They are no longer as concerned about the consequences of exposure. They are willing to take greater risks to achieve their goals“, warned the Swedish official.
For his part, the director of Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service, Kaipo Rosin, believes that Russia's increasing aggressiveness also reflects the economic difficulties the country is facing.
According to him, the Russian economy is under enormous pressure, with about a third of the gross domestic product being directed to the war effort.
“Russia's economy is in a very difficult situation, and the need for external technologies and resources is growing“, the Estonian official emphasized.
Europe on alert
The warnings from European intelligence services come at a time when Western states are strengthening their defenses against hybrid threats from Russia.
Experts point out that the Kremlin's objective is not only to obtain military information, but also access to technologies capable of maintaining the competitiveness of Russian industry in the coming decades.
In this context, economic espionage, cyber attacks and clandestine operations are becoming increasingly important tools for Moscow, against the backdrop of international isolation and difficulties caused by Western sanctions.
