At least four European intelligence services have warned their governments about acts of sabotage “imminent” from Russia on European soil, reveals the Financial Times this Sunday May 5. Reports seen by the British daily show that Russia is stepping up its efforts to carry out covert bombings, arson attacks and damage to infrastructure across the continent, signaling its commitment to open conflict with the West.
Thomas Haldenwang, head of the German domestic intelligence services, is said to have warned his French, British and Swedish counterparts of the “risk of acts of sabotage initiated by the Russian state” Who “increased considerably”. A wave of Russian attacks on European soil “with a high potential for human and material damage” would even be imminent, according to the boss of German spies.
Recent incidents suggest that this destabilization operation is already underway. In Germany, two German-Russian nationals were arrested for planning attacks against military and logistics sites. Similarly, individuals indicted in the United Kingdom have been accused of setting fire to a warehouse containing aid shipments for Ukraine, allegedly acting on behalf of the Russian government.
In Sweden, authorities are investigating a series of train derailments suspected of being acts of Kremlin-backed sabotage. In addition, sabotage attempts were reported on Czech railways and civil servants’ vehicles were attacked in Estonia.
Disinformation and hacks
Incidents such as the unexplained explosion at a munitions factory in Wales and the recent fire at an arms company in Berlin have raised suspicions about possible Russian involvement. According to analysts, Russia’s aggression is not limited to physical attacks, but also includes disinformation and hacking campaigns.
The expulsion of 600 Russian intelligence officers across the continent – who were operating under the guise of diplomatic activity, according to the Financial Times – following the invasion of Ukraine caused a strategic shift, with Russia using proxies and coordinating intelligence operations more systematically.
European governments are responding to this growing threat with increased cooperation and vigilance. Last month, NATO declared itself deeply concerned by the “malicious activities” of Russia on the territory of its allies and urged member states to remain vigilant in the face of the evolving threat. The continent’s security services are on alert, seeking to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Experts consulted by the British daily warn that these attacks have multiple objectives for Russia, including creating disruption, spreading disinformation and testing Europe’s defenses.
