The Kremlin intensifies hybrid warfare against the West: Russia is increasingly escalating the situation in Europe, enhancing a campaign of sabotage and destabilization against NATO members. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its analytical report dated January 28. Experts emphasize that the Kremlin is using hybrid methods of warfare to weaken European support for Ukraine and undermine stability in Alliance countries.
Acts of Sabotage: From Arson to Attacks
NATO Assistant Secretary General James Appathurai, in his address to the European Parliament, confirmed that NATO countries have faced a series of subversive actions from Russia in recent years. Among the most prominent cases are:
- Sabotage of rail tracks – possibly to disrupt logistic routes in Europe.
- Arson of strategic objects – attacks on infrastructure objects critical for national security.
- Assaults on politicians’ property – attempts at intimidation and creating political instability.
- Conspiracies against defense industry figures – one of the targets of the Kremlin was Armin Papperger, head of the German defense giant Rheinmetall.
Why is Russia stepping up diversions now?
The main goal of the Kremlin is to undermine NATO cohesion and create an atmosphere of fear among European countries. Experts believe that these actions are aimed at:
- Weakening support for Ukraine to reduce arms supplies and financial aid.
- Discrediting NATO by proving the Alliance’s inefficiency in countering hybrid threats.
- Destabilizing the internal politics of European states by using pro-Russian forces and informational campaigns.
NATO’s Reaction
NATO is already considering measures to neutralize threats. Stoltenberg called on Alliance members to develop effective mechanisms to counter diversions and hybrid warfare. European leaders also emphasize the need for:
- Increased funding for counterintelligence to detect and prevent Russian operations.
- Enhanced cybersecurity, as Russia actively uses cyberattacks to destabilize critical systems.
- Coordination among NATO countries for rapid response to new threats.
Is the Kremlin at war with NATO already?
ISW analysts emphasize that Russia is not just conducting isolated acts of sabotage, but is waging a full-fledged hybrid war against NATO. This confirms that Vladimir Putin sees the conflict not only as a struggle against Ukraine, but also against the entire Western world. In response, European countries should strengthen their defense capabilities and be prepared for new diversionary attacks.
