Russian intelligence employs a patient, meticulous approach in cultivating assets, playing long games spanning decades. Defectors reveal files from the 1970s and 80s, exposing the depth of this Cold War-era cultivation strategy.
From: Euromaiden Press BY EUHENIIA MARTYNIUK
Russia favors psychological manipulation over bribery when targeting individuals, according to Nathalie Vogel of the Center for Intermarium Studies in an interview with the European Resilience Initiative Center. By cultivating long-term relationships, Russia builds comprehensive profiles to exploit personal vulnerabilities. Vogel argues Russian intelligence relies more on sophisticated influence strategies rather than simple bribery or blackmail. A more in-depth analysis of her views is available here.
- Courting people at academic conferences
The Russians use academic conferences to recruit people as intelligence assets. They may approach attendees directly or use non-Russian proxies. Targets tend to be narcissistic yet insecure academics who crave validation. Valdai and similar conferences serve as ‘shopping malls’ where Russian intelligence agencies recruit foreigners who prioritize access over merit.
“The Russian narrative in such cases is always: You are very special, you understand us much better than the others,” elaborated Vogel.
Voice of Ukraine 