Kaja Kallas warns of Russian hybrid attacks across Europe

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has warned that Russia is intensifying hybrid attacks across Europe and targeting civilians because it is failing to achieve decisive victories on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Addressing the European Parliament, Kallas highlighted the escalation of Russian strikes against shipping in the Black Sea. Since mid-July, Russia has accelerated offensives against Ukrainian export routes, causing Ukraine to lose approximately 60 million euros in daily export revenue. This disruption threatens global food security, as Ukraine is a major exporter of corn, wheat, barley, and sunflower oil, with 90 percent of these products typically transported via the Black Sea.

Kallas noted that Russia is deliberately using food as a weapon, undermining global stability. She emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, strengthened defense capabilities, and coordination with NATO. The EU is also working with international partners, including Turkey and India, to establish a freedom of navigation agreement in the Black Sea to protect civilian maritime safety.