What forces are operating in the shadows of the war in Ukraine, both inside and outside the theater of operations? What clandestine operations have been going on for three years, unknown to the general public? Who is assassinating oligarchs across Europe? How are Western secret services helping the Ukrainians? And, more broadly, how do Russian and Ukrainian conceptions of clandestine action differ?

Like all conflicts, the one taking place in Ukraine is multi-layered. One is visible. It manifests itself in destruction, operational and tactical movements and their human consequences. Behind this war, however, there is another, less visible and more discreet, taking place beneath the surface of the news. This is the clandestine war.

Based on official information as well as American, European, Ukrainian and Russian documents, Jacques Baud reveals this invisible war. Between secret diplomacy and clandestine operations, he looks back at the underground confrontation pitting Russia, Ukraine and Western countries against each other since 2014.