Christopher Walker, a leading analyst of authoritarian systems, has described Europe as being in the midst of a full-spectrum struggle encompassing the war in Ukraine, sabotage, influence campaigns and other covert activity. Radio Liberty reported his remarks on Saturday, October 24.

Walker said the West had underestimated how closely Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was linked to what he called a “shadow war” across Europe. Such campaigns remain below the threshold of conventional combat but can have physical consequences, including damage to infrastructure and threats against individuals, he said.

In his assessment, the Kremlin is trying to fracture the transatlantic alliance and make support for Ukraine more costly for European societies. Europe has so far responded with resilience, Walker said, but governments need a broader and more coordinated strategy as reported incidents of sabotage and influence operations increase.

He also urged Washington to maintain intelligence sharing and other assistance for Kyiv, while supporting continued allied purchases of US weapons for Ukraine. Walker said cooperation among Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and Belarus, though flexible rather than seamless, presents a long-term challenge requiring stronger democratic solidarity and greater investment in independent information infrastructure.