Russia Linked to 151 Hybrid Warfare Operations in Europe Since 2022, Dutch Think Tank Says - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia has been linked to at least 151 hostile operations in Europe since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to a report by the International Center for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT). These operations include sabotage attempts, cyberattacks, drone incursions, and espionage activities. The findings reveal that Russia's hybrid warfare tactics have significantly impacted European security, with incidents often going unattributed until months or years later.
The report highlights several key examples of Russian activity. In 2025 alone, German authorities recorded over 320 suspected sabotage attempts, including repeated sightings of unidentified drones near airports and military facilities. Similar patterns were observed across Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and the Baltic states. Additionally, a Russian citizen was sentenced in Estonia for spying on behalf of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), demonstrating Moscow's persistent efforts to infiltrate European nations.
European authorities have also linked multiple sabotage plots to Russia, such as an attack on Poland's railway network and attempts to send explosive parcels via courier services. These incidents suggest a deliberate targeting strategy, with countries that strongly support Ukraine—like Poland, France, Germany, and Lithuania—being the primary targets. The report underscores how Russia is using hybrid warfare to counter Western solidarity and influence in Eastern Europe.
This growing threat highlights the need for stronger international cooperation to detect and respond to Russian activities. As Russia continues to employ covert methods to destabilize its neighbors, European nations must remain vigilant to protect their infrastructure and security interests. The findings emphasize that the actual number of incidents is likely higher than reported, underscoring the scale and complexity of Russia's hybrid warfare campaign.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/26/2026