Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more than 400 Russian diplomats, believed to be undercover intelligence officers, have been expelled from Europe. In Germany alone, 40 diplomats accredited to the Russian embassy and consulates were declared persona non grata, with families also forced to leave. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated these individuals had not performed diplomatic duties and had systematically undermined freedom and societal cohesion. European security officials consider this a significant setback for Russian intelligence, expecting Moscow to shift tactics by increasing cyberattacks targeting energy policy, sanctions, and arms projects, as well as reviving Cold War-era espionage methods. One such method involves traveling spies operating under false identities for limited missions, exemplified by the 2018 Skripal poisoning in the UK. The article also notes a 2019 assassination of a Chechen exile in Berlin by a Russian agent, likely involving operatives without diplomatic cover. Experts warn Moscow may also revive the costly and risky 'illegal' espionage program whereby agents permanently inhabit a target country under deep cover without diplomatic immunity. Germany previously uncovered such agents, but authorities believe others remain undetected. Russian intelligence continues to use encrypted shortwave communications to direct these spies. The challenges posed by restricted travel and visa requirements are somewhat mitigated by Russia's covert logistical networks enabling clandestine travel within Europe.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more than 400 Russian diplomats, believed to be undercover intelligence officers, have been expelled from Europe. In Germany alone, 40 diplomats accredited to the Russian embassy and consulates were declared persona non grata, with families also forced to leave. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated these individuals had not performed diplomatic duties and had systematically undermined freedom and societal cohesion. European security officials consider this a significant setback for Russian intelligence, expecting Moscow to shift tactics by increasing cyberattacks targeting energy policy, sanctions, and arms projects, as well as reviving Cold War-era espionage methods. One such method involves traveling spies operating under false identities for limited missions, exemplified by the 2018 Skripal poisoning in the UK. The article also notes a 2019 assassination of a Chechen exile in Berlin by a Russian agent, likely involving operatives without diplomatic cover. Experts warn Moscow may also revive the costly and risky 'illegal' espionage program whereby agents permanently inhabit a target country under deep cover without diplomatic immunity. Germany previously uncovered such agents, but authorities believe others remain undetected. Russian intelligence continues to use encrypted shortwave communications to direct these spies. The challenges posed by restricted travel and visa requirements are somewhat mitigated by Russia's covert logistical networks enabling clandestine travel within Europe.