Part 10/15:
Western intelligence officials warn that SSD's activities represent a dangerously escalated chapter in Moscow’s covert war against the West. The unit’s leadership is veteran spies with deep military and intelligence backgrounds, indicating Moscow’s commitment to direct and risky operations. Interestingly, some analysts believe Moscow may be temporarily de-escalating these clandestine efforts to create diplomatic space—with speculation that they might be seeking to better position themselves for future negotiations. Nonetheless, the threat remains high, prompting increased counterintelligence measures from NATO allies.