Putin’s purpose in his European gray-zone campaign is to separate Kyiv from its backers by persuading nervous publics that Ukraine is not worth risking their own security, writes @GioeINT. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/22…

Is #Europe's fear of escalation empowering #Putin? Prof David Gioe notes #Russia operates in the "grey zone" below conventional war. Western hesitation may prolong the status quo and invite further escalation, as it signals weakness. 🔗bit.ly/3VOf2OM #GreyZone

Is #Europe's fear of escalation empowering #Putin? Prof David Gioe notes #Russia operates in the "grey zone" below conventional war. Western hesitation may prolong the status quo and invite further escalation, as it signals weakness. 🔗bit.ly/3VOf2OM #GreyZone

Is #Europe's fear of escalation empowering #Putin? Prof David Gioe notes #Russia operates in the "grey zone" below conventional war. Western hesitation may prolong the status quo and invite further escalation, as it signals weakness. 🔗bit.ly/3VOf2OM #GreyZone

The West’s mixed messages prolong the status quo and invite further escalation from Russia. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/22…

This article on deterrence and Russian escalation in the grey zone is well worth your read from a friend and former CIA colleague, David Gioe @GioeINT . Dave and I agree on the problem of what I have been calling "empty deterrence" and he goes on to some other strong options and arguments for what NATO and the U.S. SHOULD be doing...give it a read, well worth your time! 🚨 In addition to TAURUS missiles for the Germans to give Ukraine --a real HIT BACK to the Russians vice what David and I both agree is not serious "closing of consulates, cultural centers, and other serious measures..." (Putin was sighing at that one!)... We, the U.S., should also give Ukraine the ERAMS long range strike packages and software for their F-16's, advocated by Admiral Mark Montgomery months ago...the Ukrainians can use them immediately, Congress approved this sale a long-time ago--3500 of them! We can SELL them (I say give em away to heroes fighting for their freedom, but fine sell them then), and the Europeans and other allies will help pay--give the Ukrainians, in Churchills words, "the TOOLS" so they can "finish the job!" Kudos David for drawing more attention to these critical issues...

Well done and well written, David! Good points for team NATO and deterrence—real deterrence!!

My latest @ForeignPolicy article argues that being obsessed with "escalation" is only inviting further Russian malign activity in Europe. Mixed messages won't do. @KeirGiles @warstudies @KCLSecurity @Wiswesser @berlin_bridge @McFaul @John_ForemanCBE foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/22…

Also was honored in this article to be quoted alongside fellow Russia intelligence experts @riehle_kevin and @GioeINT whose comments I fully endorse as well--thank you again to Mark and my colleagues also in this article...it's a really good overview of the threat, and challenge...

Europe is flooded every week with new reports of Russian hybrid war and escalation in the so-called #GrayZone. It’s more important than ever for NATO, the U.S. and our allies to understand Russian Intelligence tactics… 🎧 Coming in 7 days—September 22 worldwide the Audiobook of my work which took 2 years in the making: 🚨Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin’s Secret War 🔹Eight+ hours listening on how the SVR, GRU and FSB actually operate — espionage, surveillance, active measures, sabotage, deception and assassination. 🔹Ten chapters of their craft, heavily cited and richly illustrated, with real world stories from actual Russian spies I worked with and against. 👉I was fortunate to have CIA DDO Michael Sulick write the Foreword, while former CIA Deputy Director for Digital Innovation Jennifer Ewbank called the book “essential reading for anyone trying to understand and resist Putin’s secret war." 👉H. Keith Melton, world-renowned intelligence historian and spy author described it as “a rare insider’s view into the real world of Russian espionage.” 👉And MP Woodward (@MPWauthor ), the NYT best-selling author of RED TIDE and the Jack Ryan-Tom Clancy novels called it "a knowledgeable, timely, and accessible account of arguably the most consequential intelligence service in the world today." 🔥The hardcover, paperback and e-book have sold thousands of copies worldwide; and we are honored by the welcome so far for the book and its mission. ✅Naval Institute Press, my publisher, is a non-profit that supports the Navy and Marine Corps. If you’ve wanted to read it but haven’t had the time, this may be the easiest way. 🙏Thank you for supporting the book and its mission! Please repost and help spread the word (the RIS hate this book and troll me every chance they can, THAT is the best endorsement we have for its truth!). #Espionage #RussianIntelligence #NationalSecurity 1/

Professor David Gioe discusses the risk of Russian provocations and the difficulty of knowing exactly where NATO’s red lines are. “Putin doesn't know NATO's real red-lines because NATO itself hasn't worked it out yet.” 🔗: bit.ly/4zSwlOr

How is Russia putting pressure on Britain without going to war? Professor David Gioe looks at Russia’s use of grey zone tactics and how they are changing the way Britain needs to think about national security. 🔗: bit.ly/3V7E4rP

It was a pleasure to talk about #intelligence in/around Washington, DC, on the Spy Cities podcast. Give a listen! I hope you find the stories interesting. shows.acast.com/6a170c2a3053…

The United States urgently needs to mend the political and moral foundations of the transatlantic relationship, writes @GioeINT. “Washington will have to restore trust through a mix of action and restraint.” foreignaffairs.com/united-st…

The United States urgently needs to mend the political and moral foundations of the transatlantic relationship, writes @GioeINT. “Washington will have to restore trust through a mix of action and restraint.” foreignaffairs.com/united-st…

Today’s crisis between the United States and Europe could ultimately “make Europe a more credible security actor” and make it possible for Washington to “allocate forces more flexibly across theaters,” writes @GioeINT. foreignaffairs.com/united-st…

Restoring transatlantic trust will require “a long-term change in the tone and behavior of U.S. leaders over multiple electoral cycles,” argues @GioeINT. “It will not simply reappear after Trump leaves office.” foreignaffairs.com/united-st…

“Most European officials will concede that Trump’s second-term behavior—along with the rising threat from Russian revanchism—has finally convinced them to try to stand on their own feet in military and intelligence matters,” writes @GioeINT. foreignaffairs.com/united-st…