Reuters: US, UK recommend diplomatic, law enforcement pressure on Russia

At the close of 2024, a joint memo drafted by the US and the UK suggested a range of actions aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.

Among the key proposals was the recommendation that European law enforcement agencies collaborate more closely to track and dismantle criminal networks linked to sabotage operations, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

The memo also urged European countries to reduce their diplomatic presence in Moscow, with the goal of compelling Russia to reciprocate by cutting back its staffing in European embassies. While some of these measures are still being discussed within European countries, they represent a strategic shift toward a united front on Russian actions across the continent.

However, not all nations are in agreement, and discussions continue on how best to respond to Moscow’s behaviour. In a stark contrast to its European allies, the Trump administration is currently in talks with Russia about increasing the country’s diplomatic presence in Washington. This move has raised questions about the administration’s approach to Russia, with no comments from the White House regarding the memo or the potential expansion of Russia's diplomatic presence in the US. 

Meanwhile, US agencies have been closely monitoring Russia's ongoing efforts to influence both US and European operations. For years, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has tracked Russian influence campaigns and ransomware attacks targeting critical US infrastructure. Under the Biden administration, US cybersecurity officials have worked in coordination with European counterparts to share vital intelligence about Russia’s activities, including attempts to interfere with local elections and strategies to mitigate cyberattacks aimed at national security systems.

By Naila Huseynova