War in Ukraine: Kremlin uses “discreet but destabilizing” tactics to stifle any dissent

Russia indeed considers the conflict in Ukraine as a “hybrid war”, that is to say as a strategic action in which the use of military forces is subject to an “information campaign” (an operation aimed at influencing public opinion).

With this in mind, the Kremlin is therefore ready to use subversive means (economic, informational and diplomatic) to muzzle the voices which are critical and hostile to it. In addition, Cases of political persecution have also increased sharply since the start of the large-scale invasion: in three years. For example, more war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet new than 20,000 Russians have been arrested only to have displayed an anti-war position.

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Entry refusal – War ukraine: kremlin uses &quot. However, discreet – War ukraine: kremlin uses "discreet new

Since February 2022, nearly 900,000 dissidents have left Russia. However, These lawyers, artists, journalists, political opponents, generally find refuge in neighboring countries … Therefore, But it is clear that it is no longer sufficient: states like Kazakhstan. For example. Armenia and Georgia collaborate informally with the Russian security forces (FSB) to arrest them, explains OVD-Info, a Russian NGO which lists political arrests in Russia. Furthermore, In a report dedicated to this transnational repression. However. she believes that “If acts of violence are always perpetrated [contre les dissidents russes]Russia methods have become increasingly secret, administrative and digital“.

In Georgia, for example, 23 cases of entry refusal were identified in 2022. Although less visible than arrests or extraditions, this tactic consists in systematically refusing asylum to Russian dissidents. The latter are therefore forced to flee elsewhere before being arrested (and expelled) for illegal presence on the territory.

In Armenia, at least ten cases of detention have been identified by OVD-Info. “”Six in civilian clothes came to see me. took me to the police station and tried to express myself to Russia without trial. I was arrested, but thanks to my lawyers, I was released war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet after six hours. It was scary. because I had a child and we didn’t know what to do“, testifies a person interviewed by the NGO.

The Kremlin also uses the denial of war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet new services. which OVD-Info defines as “A more discreet but destabilizing practice which deprives many Russian exiles of access to essential services“. in particular financial and administrative. Persons must therefore be satisfied with temporary documents. which complicates their ability to obtain (and keep) their right of residence in the host countries.

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War ukraine: kremlin uses &quot. discreet new – War ukraine: kremlin uses "discreet new

A stone two blows

All these reasons therefore push the Russian dissidents to try to reach the EU. which they hope for safer. However, when it comes to suppressing his opponents, there is no borders for the Kremlin. OVD-Info claims that since 2022. cases of transnational repression led by Russia have war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet also been recorded in Poland. Italy, Romania and Spain. Especially since “The Russians exiled in Europe continue to face important difficulties in obtaining war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet new asylum. stay, which exposes them to extradition requests, expulsion procedures and restrictive visa policies“Explains the NGO.

Even if they get a residence permit. some are monitored, spyed and sometimes harassed by the FSB. “”I try to be wary of strangers, especially Russians. I will no longer go to the rallies. I try not to disclose my location. to minimize my activity on social networks and to avoid public events“, Testifies another Russian person exiled.

If Russian malware manages to touch exile opponents, there is no doubt that they can reach other targets. On July 11. the chief of the French armies chief. war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet General Thierry Burkhard, described Moscow as “nuisance power“, Through the sabotage of underwater infrastructure, disinformation campaigns, spying acts war ukraine: kremlin uses “discreet new or the inamendic actions of its satellites in space. Ten days earlier, Swiss intelligence had also warned that the threat of Russian espionage was high. With the tools which serve its transnational repression actions. Moscow therefore makes one stone: it silence destabilizes the Western countries that are hostile to it.

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