The Ukrainian military intelligence service (HUR) has warned that Russian hybrid operations could expand in European Union and NATO countries. According to Kyiv, Russian secret services have been ordered to step up preparations for sabotage operations aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and diminishing NATO’s capabilities.
HUR says it has already informed its European partners about the risks. These claims originate from Ukrainian intelligence and, by themselves, do not confirm that any or all planned operations will take place.
Military Sites and Infrastructure May Be Targets
Ukrainian intelligence identifies potential targets as military facilities, critical infrastructure, and communication equipment.
HUR is paying particular attention to Starlink service stations, which play a crucial role in communication and data transfer. As a result, Ukrainian authorities consider Starlink among the possible targets of these planned operations.
The intelligence service also reports that Russia is attempting to recruit people within Europe to carry out acts of sabotage. HUR claims that Russian military intelligence (GRU) and the Federal Security Service (FSB) could be involved in the recruitment process.
Europe Already Addressing Similar Incidents
The latest warning comes as several European countries have raised alarms about a rising threat of hybrid attacks.
For instance, Germany has attributed an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport to Russia. Estonia has said that an August fire at the Milrem Robotics defense plant in Tallinn was, according to its counter-intelligence, a case of sabotage directed by Russian special services. Moscow has rejected these allegations.
Similar incidents have recently been reported in other European nations. Europe is facing a series of sabotage cases, with security services warning about the potential for further escalation.
NATO Flags Hybrid Warfare Threats
NATO officials have also warned of increasing risks. Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus Grynkewich recently called on European countries to publicly attribute Russia’s responsibility for attacks and destabilizing activities if there is sufficient evidence.
According to Grynkewich, sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incidents, and other hybrid activities are intended to reduce support for Ukraine. He also stated that NATO must raise the costs for states organizing such operations.
Back in September, NATO official John Stringer cautioned that Moscow could use sabotage, espionage, and other hybrid tactics to test the Alliance’s responses. He urged member states to act cautiously and avoid an excessive reaction.
Weakened Support for Ukraine Seen as Main Objective
Ukraine’s HUR contends that these planned operations serve a broader strategic purpose—not just damaging specific facilities but primarily aiming to weaken European support for Ukraine and NATO’s defense capabilities.
Such tactics fall under the category of hybrid threats. Unlike open military assaults, they can include sabotage, cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation campaigns, or interference with critical infrastructure.
The combination of these actions makes it difficult to clearly identify the perpetrator and determine an appropriate response.
Accusations Against Russia Across Europe
Some European security agencies have already publicly linked specific incidents to Russian intelligence structures. In other cases, investigations are continuing, or authorities have not publicly determined the perpetrator.
In Slovakia, for example, security forces recently dealt with a planned attack on a drone manufacturing plant. Police reportedly thwarted an attack targeting a factory near Prešov, but authorities have not yet officially confirmed who was behind the plot.
It remains important to differentiate between cases where agencies have shared their findings and intelligence service warnings about possible future operations.
European States Fortify Critical Infrastructure
Mounting concerns over hybrid attacks are prompting European countries to bolster security measures—particularly within defense industries, energy sectors, transport, communication networks, and other critical infrastructure.
Denmark, for instance, has previously warned about Russian intelligence activity targeting its defense sector. Companies involved in military aid to Ukraine are considered possible targets. Danish security services have also pointed out the risk of sabotage against defense firms.
Warning Comes at a Sensitive Time
The latest statement from Ukrainian intelligence fits into a wider picture of heightened attention among Europe’s security services to Russian hybrid activities.
HUR states that planned operations could affect several EU and NATO member states. So far, however, these remain intelligence warnings and do not confirm that any new sabotage attacks have already taken place.
Further developments will indicate whether European security services will release specific incidents or evidence to support these warnings.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
