Today's Russia 'More Dangerous' Than Soviet Union; Russia Slams Canada For Sending Troops To Ukraine

The former secretary general of NATO has warned of Russia engaging in a “hybrid war” with Europe. He claimed that Russia has become more dangerous now than during the days of the USSR.

In an interview with Newsweek, Anders Fogh Rasmussen has expressed fears that Russia may be using the same military tactics it has used in Ukraine. Relations between Europe and Russia are at its lowest point since the Cold War due to conflict in Ukraine. The Russian military’s increasing incursions into European airspace have also contributed to the tension in the region.

Rasmussen said Russia has adopted a strategy with a mix of new and conventional warfare and more sophisticated propaganda. He alleged that Russia tries to influence public opinion “through financial links with political parties within NATO and engagement in NGOS.”

He added that nationalistic Right-wing parties clearly have sympathy for Russia and some of the far Left. Rasmussen said such parties are in Bulgaria, France, Hungary and Greece. When asked to comment on the recent trip of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s to Moscow, he remarked that Russia can’t help Greece economically. He believes the Greeks may be “playing with fire.”

Russia Using Hybrid Tactics

Rasmussen said Russia has shown its strength in more conventional ways as the frequent reminders of its nuclear capability have already alarmed the West. “Even during the Soviet time they were hesitant to talk about nuclear conflict,” remarked the former NATO secretary general.

Russia has become more dangerous than the Soviet Union, according to Rasmussen. Although he believes NATO will remain the cornerstone of security in Europe, he cited the need for change. He suggested that NATO should revise the nature of what it considers an act of aggression and include “hybrid threats.”

European security chiefs have long expressed their concerns about Russia’s hybrid methods. Rasmussen said the West should strengthen strategies against hybrid threats and invest more in cyber security and intelligence.

Russia Accuses Canada of ‘Deplorable’ Behaviour

Meanwhile, Russia has called Canada’s deployment of troops in Ukraine “counterproductive and deplorable.” The Russian embassy in Canada said in a statement that the presence of soldiers from the West will not ease the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had recently announced that about 200 troops will be sent to Ukraine in a noncombatant mission for up to two years, reports the Globe and Mail. The Canadian troops will join the U.S. and UK forces in training Ukraine soldiers in medicine, bomb disposal and flight safety.

The Russian embassy has warned that Canada’s move will only lead to more conflict rather than peace. It believes the joint efforts of the West will encourage the Ukrainian government to keep fighting.

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