Kremlin's shadow play: Reshaping governments post-invasion
War is not just about military operations for Russians. It is also about the deprivation of statehood and the managerial capabilities of the attacked country. Moscow's priority is to position trusted individuals in key roles and take actual control over the technical infrastructure. Meanwhile, people who are not favourable to Russia are eliminated.
After attacking a specific country, Russia aims to change its government as rapidly as possible. Moscow seeks for the invaded state to be governed by a prime minister appointed by the Kremlin, a president, or the leader of the largest political party.
This is why the Russians aimed for the swift overthrow of President Volodymyr Zelensky—former Polish intelligence officer Maj. Robert Cheda emphasises that governments not favouring Russia are treated like criminals.
Russians can be particularly cruel to individuals who are on the list of enemies of the Russian nation. This includes foreign journalists, activists, oppositionists, politicians, and judges. There are four Poles on the lengthy list.
These are people treated as enemies. They will be regarded as criminals under Russian law, explains Maj. Cheda.
The former military officer points out that, on the one hand, Russia disables the country's decision-making process. On the other hand, it can influence, for instance, the process of civilian surrender.
Russian special services operate from the very first days, even earlier
Maj. Cheda emphasises that even before the aggression, Russian special services start operating in the targeted country. They infiltrate state structures and try to eliminate Russia's enemies.
These services also aim to take over critical infrastructure rapidly. This involves, for example, assuming directorial and managerial roles and controlling seaports or airports. Notably, Russian services are not gentle in executing this plan.
The Russians are not refined; they resort to brutality and mass actions, says Maj. Cheda.
