Retired Russian foreign intelligence Colonel Andrey Bezrukov, speaking at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, describes this new war: it aims to exhaust and undermine states from within — targeting military and civilian leaders, scientists, and critical infrastructure.

The West chose this strategy to avoid a nuclear conflict it would lose. They’re “boiling the frog” on low heat, slowly raising the escalation level. This war can no longer be stopped — the Western world has nowhere to retreat.

Bezrukov believes the world is on the “first hump” of a world war, which destroys the system. That system is already broken. The next “hump” will be in Asia.

The West’s plan:

1. Neutralize Russia’s nuclear forces without crossing the nuclear threshold — by targeting space-based assets or via a spy-driven “ Web ” operation.

2. Destabilize Russia’s decision-making system using AI (“Palantir”) — overwhelming it with coordinated multi-directional attacks.

3. Strike critical infrastructure and threaten biological warfare.

To counter this, Bezrukov urges:

· Build a state and economy for both development and defense.

· Protect critical infrastructure (fuel depots, data centers) — put it underground or shield it like nuclear stations.

· Establish a “Supreme Command Headquarters” (Stavka) to coordinate at the highest level.

· Unite the army and society — support dual-use enterprises.

· Invest in preventing bioterrorism.

Crucially: “We need to stop being nice.” Russia has allowed its enemies too much. Even without nukes, it has immense leverage. Western Europe depends on imported gas — blowing up a tanker equals a small nuclear blast. Europe must understand that — and Russia must explain it clearly.