The hybrid war that Russia is waging against the West has entered a new phase, with a wave of incidents that have put European intelligence services on high alert. According to a report by The Guardian, Europe is now seeking to impose tangible costs on Moscow for these actions, without resorting to direct armed conflict.
Recent Incidents: A Month of High Tension
In recent weeks, several episodes have highlighted the intensification of Russia's hybrid warfare:
- Germany: An explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport, an incident that German authorities attributed to Moscow within days, unlike previous incidents that took months to be linked to the GRU (Russian military intelligence).
- Poland: Alleged acts of sabotage were reported in the country, although no specific details were given.
- Europe in general: Unexplained explosions and fires have occurred at defense facilities supplying Ukraine, suggesting a coordinated campaign.
Russian Methods: Remote Recruitment and Cryptocurrencies
According to the report, Russia has perfected its hybrid warfare tactics, using methods that are difficult to trace back to Moscow. These include the remote recruitment of saboteurs through platforms like Telegram, with payments in cryptocurrencies to hinder traceability. Denmark, for its part, has warned that Moscow is recruiting Danish citizens to sabotage defense companies linked to Ukraine.
Change in Europe's Response
The European reaction has evolved significantly. In July 2024, after a fire at a DHL center in Leipzig, Germany took about nine months to link the attack to the GRU. In the recent incident, attribution was almost immediate, reflecting greater preparedness and determination.
Germany has already taken concrete measures: it closed a Russian cultural center and a Russian consulate on its territory. Moscow responded by closing the Goethe-Institut in Russia, in a clear act of retaliation.
Limitations and Legislative Proposals
However, European intelligence agencies face legal limitations compared to the CIA, which has more authorization for covert operations abroad. To address this gap, the Netherlands and other EU states have proposed laws that would expand the surveillance powers of their agencies, although the debate is delicate due to implications for civil rights.
Tangible Actions: Norway and the Shadow Fleet
In a show of firmness, Norway seized a Russian vessel in Svalbard on Wednesday, at Ukraine's request. This adds to a greater European willingness to detain vessels from Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet', which is used to evade sanctions and transport oil and gas.
Political Stances: Poland and the Baltic States Demand a Hard Line
Poland and the Baltic states are the most vehement in demanding a tougher response. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski was blunt: 'Hybrid war means assassination squads, arsonists, blowing up moving trains, airspace violations with drones and cruise missiles. We need to convince Putin that these actions are not free'. In a joking tone, he added: 'Every time Russia committed arson or tried to blow up a train... I closed a Russian consulate, but I ran out of consulates to close'.
An EU legislator, who preferred to remain anonymous, summed up the general sentiment: 'Every time we do nothing, we invite Putin to continue'.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance
Europe faces a dilemma: how to deter Russia without escalating to military conflict. The measures taken so far, such as closing consulates, seizing vessels, and legislative proposals, aim to send a clear message, but the challenge persists. Hybrid warfare, by its diffuse nature, demands innovative and coordinated responses, something European countries are still perfecting.
Source: The Guardian (September 4, 2026).