Countering Russia’s hybrid warfare involves a multi-pronged, coordinated approach that uses the FBI’s unique counterintelligence and law enforcement capabilities. A whole-of-government strategy involving federal, state, and local partners, as well as the private sector, is considered most effective.
Core strategies
Cyber defense and offensive operations
Russia’s hybrid threats frequently involve sophisticated cyber operations, from hacking to malware and DDoS attacks.
Investigative disruption: The FBI develops capabilities to investigate, disrupt, and neutralize botnets and hacking campaigns operated by Russian state actors, such as the GRU.
Sector-wide engagement: FBI cyber squads work with critical infrastructure providers, financial institutions, and other private-sector partners to share intelligence, provide threat warnings, and help mitigate vulnerabilities.
Targeted disruption: Using its unique authorities, the FBI can conduct “joint, sequenced operations” with international partners to take down hacker infrastructure and impose costs on adversaries.
Counterintelligence and information warfare
Hybrid warfare aims to exploit existing societal tensions, and the FBI leads efforts to expose and neutralize these foreign influence campaigns.
Disrupting foreign malign influence: The FBI operates permanent task forces to identify and stop Russian interference in U.S. elections and other political processes.
Exposing propaganda: Countering disinformation is a central tactic. The FBI works to identify Russia’s information campaigns, which use state media, troll farms, and social media to sow mistrust and discontent.
Building trust and resilience: A key defense against disinformation is fostering trust between law enforcement and the public. Strong governance and economic freedom also make a society less susceptible to foreign meddling.
Attributing and punishing illicit activity
Holding perpetrators accountable is a critical aspect of deterrence, though a recent suspension of some U.S. efforts has been reported.
Rapid attribution: The U.S. must rapidly identify those responsible for hostile acts, with an acceptable level of confidence.
Exposing networks: The FBI and its partners work to expose intelligence operations and deprive proxy forces and “contractors” of deniability.
Financial disruption: The FBI investigates Russian oligarchs and entities to enforce sanctions, seize assets, and disrupt money laundering that supports the regime’s activities.
Collaboration and partnerships
The FBI does not work in a vacuum; its effectiveness relies on strong collaboration with domestic and international partners.
Interagency cooperation: The FBI works with other U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Cyber Command, to coordinate responses to cyber and other hybrid threats.
International partnerships: Collaboration with allies is crucial for tracking Russian espionage and sabotage, which often crosses international borders. An example is the recent disruption of a Russian-linked hacking campaign exploiting Cisco vulnerabilities, in which the FBI coordinated with international partners.
Information sharing: The FBI works closely with foreign and domestic law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the private sector to share threat intelligence and coordinate countermeasures.
Recent events and political context
The effectiveness of these strategies can be impacted by evolving geopolitical circumstances.
In early 2025, Reuters reported that some U.S. agencies had suspended certain efforts to counter Russian sabotage and influence, reportedly easing pressure on Moscow.
This came amid a reported increase in Russian sabotage and espionage activities in Europe, with European intelligence officials warning of an escalating campaign.
These reports suggest that the U.S. approach to countering Russian hybrid threats can be subject to shifts in political strategy.