Putin Takes Crimea 2014: Grey-zone warfare opens the Russia-Ukraine conflict

The book "The Grey Zone: How Russia Conquered Crimea" provides an authoritative analysis of how Putin's Russia conquered the Crimea in 2014 using grey zone warfare techniques, blending operations by anonymous special forces with cyber, sabotage, and propaganda. It explores how Russia developed its new model of 'hybrid or 'grey zone warfare and planned and deployed it against Crimea, leading to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 was a complex and multifaceted operation that involved a combination of traditional military tactics, covert operations, and propaganda. This essay will examine the various strategies and techniques used by Russia to achieve its objectives, as well as the broader implications of the annexation for regional and global security.

Traditional Military Tactics:

Russia deployed a large number of military forces to Crimea, including infantry, armor, and air support. The Russian military also conducted naval operations in the Black Sea, including the seizure of Ukrainian naval vessels and the deployment of naval mines.

Covert Operations:

In addition to traditional military forces, Russia also used covert operations to achieve its objectives. These operations included the deployment of special forces, cyberattacks, and sabotage.

Special Forces:

Russia deployed a number of special forces units to Crimea, including the Wagner Group, a private military company that is believed to have close ties to the Russian government. The Wagner Group was involved in a number of operations in Crimea, including the seizure of government buildings and the assassination of Ukrainian military personnel.

Cyberattacks:

Russia launched a number of cyberattacks against Ukraine and its government institutions in the lead-up to the annexation. These attacks included the dissemination of false information, the disruption of government websites, and the theft of sensitive data.

Sabotage:

Russia also used sabotage to achieve its objectives. This included the planting of explosive devices on critical infrastructure, such as power plants and pipelines, and the disruption of transportation networks.

Propaganda:

Russia used propaganda to justify its actions and to undermine the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government. This included the spread of false information, the manipulation of public opinion, and the use of social media to spread propaganda.

Broader Implications:

The annexation of Crimea has had significant implications for regional and global security. It has raised concerns about the future of Ukraine and the stability of the European Union. It has also highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and the potential for military operations to spill over into civilian areas.

Conclusion:

The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 was a complex and multifaceted operation that involved a combination of traditional military tactics, covert operations, and propaganda. While Russia achieved its objectives in terms of annexing Crimea, the operation has had significant negative consequences for regional and global security. It is important to understand the lessons learned from this operation and to take steps to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 248 x 185 x 4 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472853844