Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has stepped up so-called hybrid attacks across Europe, including arson, cyber and information campaigns, and sabotage.
Recent examples include the alleged cutting of energy and communications cables in the Baltic Sea, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described as “an act of sabotage.” In that case, as in many other instances of hybrid attacks, it would be difficult for the government to quickly and unambiguously attribute the attack to Moscow.
Earlier this month, Pistorius warned of the threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Putin is conducting a hybrid attack and Germany is a particular focus,” Pistorius said in an interview with media group Funke.
“He knows us very well. President Putin knows how to touch our hearts,” Pistorius said. “If we ignore this threat because it’s unpleasant, we’re going to make it bigger, not smaller,” he added.
Nordic countries are on high alert following warnings from European intelligence agencies about possible Russian sabotage of power cables, wind turbines and gas pipelines.
NATO’s Apasurai said the number of attacks of this type had reached levels that would previously have been considered “totally unacceptable”. “I can definitely count dozens. Up to 100, of course. But there are also many failed plots,” he said.
