Russia turns its diplomatic missions into elements of hybrid warfare – CCD

According to Ukrinform, the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under the National Security and Defense Council stated this on Telegram.

"Russia is systematically abusing diplomatic status, turning its missions into elements of hybrid warfare. Violations of the Vienna Convention and the use of diplomatic cover for sabotage have become routine practice for the Kremlin," the statement reads.

It is noted that the situation in Poland is illustrative. Despite a decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke permission for the operation of the consulate in Gdansk, the Russian Federation refuses to vacate the building. The Russian side is manipulating diplomatic status, claiming that an "administrative and technical staff member resides there." It was additionally revealed that Russia has not paid rent since 2013. Such disregard for Poland's sovereignty deepens distrust amid suspicions of Russian sabotage targeting the country's transport infrastructure.

In addition, in December Germany officially accused Russia of cyberattacks, sabotage, and interference in internal political processes. An attack on Germany's aviation security system in 2024 was linked to the APT28 (Fancy Bear) group, which has ties to the GRU. German services also recorded coordinated disinformation campaigns during the elections in February 2025.

The CCD emphasized that the combination of these facts confirms that Russian diplomacy is increasingly serving as a cover for intelligence activities, cyber operations, and information attacks, which directly contradicts international law.

As reported earlier, in an interview with Ukrinform, Martin Schelleis, Federal Commissioner for Crisis Resilience, Security Policy, and Civil-Military Cooperation of the German Order of Malta and a retired Bundeswehr lieutenant general, said that Russia has been waging hybrid warfare against Germany for years.

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