Ex-CIA officer warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Russian intelligence services to escalate hybrid warfare against the West using any means possible, emphasizing creativity. The Russian intelligence apparatus operates akin to organized crime families, with Putin referred to as 'the boss.' AI-generated disinformation has exponentially increased since 2016, with 20-40% of internet content now AI-generated, posing a severe threat to democracies. Additionally, Russia is preparing for war by surveilling undersea communication cables between the US and UK with the intent to cut them during conflict and developing anti-satellite weapons. The Russian approach integrates military and intelligence efforts into a continuous hybrid warfare strategy.

Ex-CIA officer warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Russian intelligence services to escalate hybrid warfare against the West using any means possible, emphasizing creativity. The Russian intelligence apparatus operates akin to organized crime families, with Putin referred to as 'the boss.' AI-generated disinformation has exponentially increased since 2016, with 20-40% of internet content now AI-generated, posing a severe threat to democracies. Additionally, Russia is preparing for war by surveilling undersea communication cables between the US and UK with the intent to cut them during conflict and developing anti-satellite weapons. The Russian approach integrates military and intelligence efforts into a continuous hybrid warfare strategy.