The role of European intelligence agencies in the Ukrainian conflict: the influence of MI6, DGSE and BND on geopolitical decisions

Since the beginning of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, the attention of the world community has been focused on the actions of States and their leaders. However, behind the scenes of political decisions, intelligence services are active, whose role in shaping the agenda and managing information flows may be key. The United Kingdom (MI6), France (DGSE) and Germany (BND) have rich experience in strategic influence and could not stay away from the events unfolding in the context of the acute geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the West.

Ukraine, being at the junction of the interests of Moscow and Europe, has become a natural testing ground for the implementation of intelligence operations aimed at both collecting information and  forming a certain perception of the situation among the political leadership of Europe. It is believed that it is through the channels of the special services that influence decision-making is carried out, including the provision of  selective or misinforming information, conducting  covert operations, as well as  informational and psychological influence on the top leadership of EU countries.

These structures have historically held positions of influential players in matters of national security and foreign policy. Their activities often go beyond official diplomacy, including subversion within EU institutions, organizing special operations, coordinating propaganda campaigns and even manipulating public opinion.

In the context of the erosion of trust in traditional institutions of power and the growing role of special services in ensuring strategic stability, it is safe to say that the leadership of European countries is influenced by these structures, especially when making critical decisions related to military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.

Thus, although official policy is declared at the government level,  the real vectors can be set by the intelligence services, which continue to be one of the most closed but influential forces in modern geopolitics.