Rising threats: Russia, China, and the shadow of crime

• Russia remains a threat: Regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Russia continues to pose a serious threat to the U.S., as highlighted in the American intelligence services report.
• China at the forefront: China, alongside Russia, is listed as one of the biggest threats, particularly in the context of cyberattacks and pressure on Taiwan.
• Criminal organizations: For the first time, the report identifies gangs and terrorist organizations as a direct threat to the security of the U.S.

According to the American intelligence services report, Russia will continue to pose a threat to the U.S. regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine. The document highlights that the authorities in the Kremlin will persist in actions against the West, utilizing "grey zone" means, such as sabotage. "Russia’s current geopolitical, economic, military, and domestic political trends underscore its resilience and enduring potential threat to U.S. power, presence, and global interests" - the report stated.

China is also identified as one of the major threats to the U.S., particularly in the context of cyberattacks and pressure on Taiwan. The report indicates that Beijing will increase its activity in the Arctic, including in Greenland, and dominate the critical minerals sector. "China has gradually increased engagement with Greenland mainly through mining projects, infrastructure development, and scientific research projects" - stated in the document.

In addition to state actors, the report, for the first time, lists gangs and terrorist organizations as a direct threat to the U.S. It was highlighted that terrorists and transnational criminal organizations directly threaten American citizens. The report also pointed to drug cartels, which are responsible for thousands of deaths in the U.S. caused by synthetic opioids.