Russian intelligence agencies are ramping up efforts to steal Western technology and defense secrets as international sanctions impact the country's economy. According to European intelligence officials, Moscow's tactics include establishing fake companies, recruiting intermediaries, and conducting cyberattacks to secure advanced machinery and dual-use technology. Notably, Russia is targeting Sweden's defense sector, aiming to acquire technologies related to the Gripen fighter jet and civilian technologies that can be adapted for military use. The urgency stems from a need to keep pace with Western advancements in areas such as space and quantum technology. Recent incidents, including a failed cyberattack on a Swedish power plant, reflect a shift in Russia's approach, showing less concern for attribution while taking greater risks. As economic pressures mount, with a significant portion of Russia's GDP dedicated to the war effort, intelligence officials warn that these aggressive tactics may be a response to internal economic challenges, raising concerns about a potential financial crisis if Western sanctions persist.