In a recent government meeting, lawmakers discussed the ongoing threats posed by Russia under President Vladimir Putin, highlighting a range of aggressive tactics reminiscent of Cold War strategies. Congressman Steven Cohen emphasized that Putin is employing asymmetric warfare and gray zone tactics against NATO, which include disinformation, espionage, and targeted assassinations. He noted that these methods are not new, as they echo the Soviet Union's playbook from decades past.

Cohen pointed out the Kremlin's attacks on dissidents and activists, citing the recent assault on Leonid Volkov, a former chief of staff to the imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He underscored the message these actions send: no one is safe from the reach of the Kremlin. The congressman also referenced the poisoning of political opponents and other high-profile figures, illustrating the lengths to which Putin will go to maintain control and instill fear.

The discussion further delved into the cyber threats posed by Russia, with Cohen detailing a cyber attack on a water facility in Texas that also impacted water supply systems in France and Poland. He warned that Putin is increasingly using hybrid attacks to destabilize the West, including sophisticated disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing political narratives in the United States.

Cohen raised concerns about the potential for foreign electoral interference in the upcoming presidential election, drawing parallels to the 2016 election when Russia sought to aid Donald Trump. He warned that Moscow is likely to employ advanced tools, including artificial intelligence and social media platforms, to manipulate public opinion and sway electoral outcomes.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing these threats was clear, with lawmakers recognizing the need for a coordinated response to counteract Russia's destabilizing activities on the global stage.