Approved event from Hybrid War Tracker
Headline: Finnish Ex-Intelligence Chief: "We can shut down Putin and his friends' software"
Short Summary: The former Finnish military intelligence chief claims Europe can disable Putin's software as part of hybrid cyber warfare, urging offensive cyber measures against Russia.
Extended Summary: In an interview published on December 2, 2025, the former Finnish military intelligence chief stated that Europe can respond to Russian hybrid threats by deploying offensive cyber operations, specifically stating that they can "shut down Putin and his friends' software." This statement supports current discussions among politicians in Berlin and Brussels advocating for Europe to use hybrid cyber capabilities to counteract Kremlin aggression. The article highlights that many of the software systems targeted originate from the USA, with Europe increasingly developing its own offensive cyber tools. The intelligence veteran stresses that Europe has the necessary technological edge to annoy and disrupt Russian governance and military operations. The broader context involves concerns over Russian hybrid warfare activities in Eastern Europe and calls for a stronger European cyber defense and offense posture to deter future aggression.
The former head of the Finnish military intelligence warns that Europe has the capability to use hybrid warfare methods against Russia by deploying cyber operations that could directly disrupt Russian leaders, including Putin. This includes disabling software systems used by Putin and his close networks. Politicians in Berlin and Brussels are supporting such ideas to counteract Russian hybrid threats, emphasizing that Europe possesses technological means to challenge the Kremlin. The software often originates primarily from the USA, with European powers catching up technologically. There is a call to ramp up offensive cyber capabilities and strategic responses to Russia’s ongoing aggression. The article also touches on the geopolitical aspects of hybrid warfare and the need for a coordinated European stance against Russia.
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