Russia accused of intensifying hybrid attacks across Europe

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European officials are sounding the alarm that Russia is escalating a broad campaign of hybrid warfare against European countries, combining cyber intrusions, disinformation, intelligence operations and possible physical sabotage aimed at critical infrastructure.[1][9] BBC and other outlets report that French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly warned that Russian hybrid attacks against Europe are intensifying, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has cautioned that the Kremlin is plotting strikes on Ukraine’s European neighbors that will be staged as fake 'accidents' to paralyze Western response and test NATO’s resolve.[1][9] These warnings follow a series of recent incidents, including unexplained disruptions and security concerns around energy networks, transport systems and communications, which European governments increasingly view through the lens of Russian hostile activity.[1][9] The alerts come as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to strain European defense and energy systems, and as NATO steps up monitoring and deterrence efforts to counter both conventional and hybrid threats across the continent.[1][4][7][9] Officials argue that coordinated hybrid operations could undermine public trust, disrupt economies and weaken the alliance’s ability to respond quickly, making the issue a top-tier security priority for European governments and their transatlantic partners.[1][9]

Sources: BBC, New York Post, CNN