Europe Warns Russia Is Escalating Hybrid Attacks Across NATO

European officials have warned that Russia is intensifying hybrid attacks across Europe, including cyberattacks, sabotage and airspace violations, in an effort to weaken Western support for Ukraine.

Speaking during the UN General Assembly, ministers from NATO’s eastern flank said Moscow was increasingly relying on covert operations rather than preparing for a direct military confrontation with the alliance.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe was experiencing a rapid increase in sabotage and airspace incidents. She argued that Moscow aims to frighten European governments into reducing assistance to Kyiv and called for tougher sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and military-industrial sector.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Europe was already facing actual attacks, pointing to arson, explosions, drone incursions and alleged violations of Polish territory. Poland’s military said Wednesday that a Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said Romania had recorded more than 100 incidents involving drones or drone fragments as Russian forces attacked Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube and Black Sea. Bucharest has not found evidence that Romania was directly targeted, she said.

Russia has repeatedly denied carrying out sabotage operations in NATO countries or planning a confrontation with the alliance.

Despite mounting incidents, European ministers played down concerns that a conventional Russian attack on NATO was imminent. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia did not appear capable of or preparing for direct military aggression against NATO while its forces remained heavily committed in Ukraine.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys warned, however, that Russia could expand pressure geographically through attacks on critical infrastructure and other hybrid operations.

Officials said maintaining NATO unity, strengthening deterrence and continuing military support for Ukraine would be crucial, particularly as winter approaches. Budrys warned that Russia could intensify attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and use cold weather as another tool of pressure.

European ministers also argued that strong NATO responses to previous airspace violations had reduced serious incidents, suggesting Moscow closely watches how firmly the alliance reacts.