Russia suspected of escalating hybrid attacks across Europe

Europe is experiencing an intensification of hybrid threats and sabotage attempts, with Russia suspected of orchestrating activities aimed at disrupting Western support for Ukraine. These actions involve a combination of cyber, informational, economic, and kinetic methods designed to exploit state vulnerabilities without triggering official warfare.

Recent incidents include a suspected arson attack against a drone manufacturing facility in Slovakia and an attempt to sabotage energy infrastructure in Germany. German authorities also attributed a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia. In Lithuania, NATO forces intercepted a drone originating from Belarus near Kaunas, following military exercises conducted by Belarus along the Polish-Lithuanian border.

Security assessments suggest a shift in tactics; as intelligence operatives face expulsion, there are reports of Russia recruiting local criminals via online channels to conduct physical sabotage. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has noted that these threats are becoming increasingly frequent and direct.