The Russia-Ukraine Intelligence Center

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused dramatic global security shifts. Security teams from around-the-globe have been consumed by the war, working daily to navigate business continuity and reputation, travel, evacuations, ramifications from sanctions, supply-chain impact, cyber and physical security implications, along with the risk that their organization faces as the war progresses.

Ontic and its Center for Protective Intelligence and Center of Excellence are dedicated to providing the safety, security and protection communities with the resources they need to navigate difficult times like these. We encourage you to visit our Russia-Ukraine Intelligence Center as an ongoing means for monitoring the situation for intelligence-driven insights, viewpoints, and mitigation plans as it develops.

Our initial resources on this vital subject are also listed below. Keep checking the Center for more updates.

Conflict History, Current Situation and Emerging Issues

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict History, Current Situation and Emerging Issues
  Misinformation is running wild as it relates to the conflict. Check out these resources, which we’ll keep updated on an ongoing basis, for guidance and analysis from trusted experts.
• Danger Close with Jack Carr | Oleg Tolmachev: Standing Strong in Ukraine
  Jack Carr’s Danger Close podcast is one of the best in the industry for military perspectives and current events. Check out his interview with Oleg Tolmachev, Head of Production for Ukraine’s national gas company, Naftogaz as they discuss his correspondence with international journalists about the developing situation and his call on oil and gas companies to sever ties with Russia.

Crisis and Risk Management

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Managing Intelligence Activity During Times of Turmoil
  After 30 years of service in Military and Private Security Operations, Information Operations, and Intelligence spaces, Chuck Randolph has a wealth of knowledge on managing through a crisis. He shares his knowledge on four areas companies should currently be looking at to manage intelligence and risk activity.
• Crisis as an Opportunity for Reinvention
  Worst-case scenarios can happen, as we watch the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold. Many lessons can be learned in the aftermath of each disaster, which enables security teams to review operations and contingency plans.
• Maintaining Security Vigilance During a Crisis
  With the events unfolding in Ukraine capturing the world’s attention (and rightfully so), it’s important for security teams to focus on the “care & feeding” of existing threats and concerns. For example, having systems in place to continuously monitor persons of interest (tactical threats) allows the security practitioner to focus on the big-picture strategic issues, such as the war.

Leading Through Times of Crisis

• Leading in High-Stress Circumstances from a Former CIA Operations Officer
  Leadership is key in moments of crisis. This podcast with a former CIA officer who served in Moscow, and who was targeted by the Russian intelligence service is well worth a listen. There are also words of caution about the possibility of directed energy attacks by nation-state actors against U.S. business executives.
• The Unmatched Value of Crisis and Contingency Planning for Situations You Least Expect
  You never want to develop a crisis plan in the midst of a crisis. The lead-up to the invasion of Ukraine seemed to take many by surprise. Why? The intelligence successes and failures of this war will be studied for years. As the pandemic before has taught us, Black Swans can happen. Be prepared.

Tactical and Operational Strategies

• What Does it Mean to be Prepared? The Evolution of Emergency Readiness from Ethos Preparedness
  As someone who has investigated countless disasters over the years, having basic survival gear, food, water, and equipment ready to go should be without question; however, many people and companies never expect bad things to happen. Think about what you would do in an emergency and have a plan.
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Scenario Planning with a Leading Expert in Mobile Security Deployments
  Former State Department DSS agent Fred “Razor” Piry, currently one of the co-founders of Active Crisis, offers practical advice as to how to get out of Ukraine and key safety steps to consider if you are forced to hunker down.