Russia's Hybrid Campaign Ahead of the Munich Security Conference: Key Details

Russia's Pre-Conference Hybrid Operations

According to Главком: Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Directorate reports that Russia is preparing a hybrid campaign to coincide with the Munich Security Conference. This campaign is expected to involve street protests and information operations, with the German organization Friedensbewegung (Peace Movement) playing an active role. Notably, the most active members of this group are known to have ties to Russian intelligence services.

A key figure in this effort is Olena Kolbasnikova, who previously organized several anti-Ukrainian rallies in Cologne and Düsseldorf. She acquired Russian citizenship in 2023. Her partner, Max Schlund (also known as Rostyslav Tesliuk), has also facilitated pro-Kremlin rallies in Germany. These activities are believed to be part of a broader information campaign aimed at destabilizing Ukraine. Such hybrid tactics are a hallmark of Moscow's strategy to undermine Western unity on key international stages.

The Case of Ukrainian National Yevhen B.

Separately, a Ukrainian citizen identified as Yevhen B. has been charged in Germany with preparing sabotage involving postal packages. The investigation suspects him of espionage for sabotage purposes. This individual was detained in Switzerland in May and extradited to Germany in December. In late March 2025, he and others sent two packages with activated GPS trackers from Cologne to Ukraine. Investigators believe Yevhen B. received his task from Russian intelligence representatives via intermediaries in Mariupol, with the goal of tracking the delivery route and gathering information on the postal service.

The Munich Security Conference serves as a critical annual forum for global security policy debate. Organizers anticipate roughly 200 governmental representatives from about 120 countries, including nearly 60 heads of state and government, 56 foreign ministers, over 30 defense chiefs, and leaders of more than 40 international organizations. Ukraine's intelligence agency has emphasized a disinformation narrative that Western support for Ukraine could provoke a third world war, falsely claiming the EU and NATO are aggressors while Russia poses no threat to Europe.

This intelligence underscores Russia's escalating activity in the context of major international events, particularly ahead of pivotal forums like the Munich Security Conference.

Hybrid campaigns blending disinformation with street-level agitation can significantly influence perceptions of the Ukraine situation and the international support it receives. Concurrently, the case of Yevhen B. and his links to Russian intelligence illustrates the ongoing risks to internal security and attempts to sow instability from within.