NATO expert warns of intensifying Russian hybrid warfare in Europe

Jānis Sārts, director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, warns of a potential intensification of Russian hybrid warfare in Europe. He suggests that recent intelligence indicates Russia may move toward more serious attacks, which could include human casualties and less caution in execution.

NATO officials have noted a significant increase in hybrid incidents targeting alliance members. Last year, over 200 such incidents were recorded, excluding routine cyberattacks. The alliance reports that Russia is targeting critical infrastructure, logistics chains, and industrial control systems with malware to undermine political and practical support for Ukraine. NATO officials expressed concern regarding the increasing frequency, severity, and risk appetite behind these operations.