Ukraine's Cyberconflict Discussion: The Digital Threat in Action
In the ongoing fourteen-month war in Ukraine, cyber warfare and digital information operations have played a significant role, targeting critical infrastructure, logistics, and morale on both sides. This evolving complexity of cyber and information warfare in modern multi-domain conflicts is highlighted by the ongoing conflict.
Jason Kikta, who served for over twenty years in the United States Marine Corps, has also been involved in this digital battlefield. Kikta worked at United States Cyber Command, designing and managing national counter-APT and counter-ransomware missions.
Since Russia seized Crimea and backed proxy forces in the eastern Donbas region in 2014, both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly conducted cyber operations targeting critical infrastructure such as railways, energy, and logistics to disrupt military and civilian support systems. Ukraine’s cyber specialists, for example, have attacked Russian Railways services, while Russia has retaliated by targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Cyber and drone strikes on logistical and civilian targets continue to be key tactical components.
The role of cyber warfare and digital information operations in the Ukraine conflict has often been absent from public discussions. However, the lessons on cyber resilience highlighted by the conflict are vital. Cyber resilience in Ukraine hinges on rapid response, integration of cyber and kinetic warfare, and nation-wide support to resist sustained hybrid attacks. Ukraine’s defense forces have demonstrated resilience by continuously adapting defensive cyber measures alongside armed resistance, holding lines against larger Russian forces and sabotaging enemy advances.
The differences between Russia's and the US approach to cyber and digital information operations in this conflict involve strategic objectives and transparency. Russia has combined classical warfare with cyberattacks and psychological operations as part of a multi-domain approach aimed at strategic defeat of Ukraine and deterring Western intervention. The US approach, as part of broader NATO and Western support, includes providing Ukraine with cyber and military aid to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities but aims to avoid direct confrontation with Russia. US and NATO strategies also encompass information operations to counter Russian narratives and propaganda, but maintain a degree of plausible deniability and indirect involvement.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a testament to the evolving nature of cyber and information warfare in modern conflicts. To delve deeper into this topic, tune into the Irregular Warfare Podcast, hosted by Laura Jones and Matt Moellering, available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
[Image Credit: Tim Snell, adapted by MWI]
This article can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, emailed, or printed for further discussions on the role of cyber warfare and digital information operations in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of cybersecurity in warfare, with both Ukraine and Russia targeting critical infrastructure.
- Cyber resilience in Ukraine relies on a swift response, integration of cyber and kinetic warfare, and nationwide support to withstand sustained hybrid attacks.
- While Russia integrates cyberattacks and psychological operations into a multi-domain strategy aimed at defeating Ukraine, the US approach includes providing aid to enhance Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities, while maintaining a degree of plausible deniability.
- The evolving complexity of cyber warfare in modern conflicts is a topic of interest for Jason Kikta, who served in the United States Marine Corps and worked at United States Cyber Command, designing and managing national counter-APT and counter-ransomware missions.
