Intelligence Reports: Russia Amplifies Sabotage Threats in Europe
Russia plans a widespread sabotage operation across Europe, European intelligence agencies have warned, according to the British "Financial Times." The report states Moscow is "engaging in a permanent conflict with the West," preparing for bombings, arson attacks on buildings, and assaults on infrastructure.
6:31 PM EDT, May 6, 2024
The "Financial Times," drawing on intelligence assessments from three countries, highlights an increasing volume of evidence pointing towards aggressive, coordinated actions by the Kremlin. Intelligence officials are voicing concerns about the threat more frequently. "We assess the risk of state-controlled acts of sabotage has significantly increased," Thomas Haldenwang, head of the German domestic intelligence service, mentioned at a security conference last month. He believes Russia has the liberty to execute potentially damaging operations in Europe.
Recent arrests underscore the escalating tensions. In Bavaria, two men holding dual German-Russian citizenship were detained for allegedly planning attacks on military and logistical facilities. The United Kingdom has charged two men with collaborating with Russia to torch a warehouse storing equipment for Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Sweden, suspicions arise that a series of train derailments might be sabotage. The Czech transport minister has accused Russia of attempting to wreck the Czech railway's signaling systems, while in Estonia, security services suspect Kremlin agents were behind an attack on the car of the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Clear Russian actions
The "Financial Times" also reports, based on discussions with a senior Western government official, that NATO is being informed of "clear Russian actions" on a large scale. The importance of addressing the Russian threat in Europe is emphasized. NATO expressed its deep concern over the increase in "malicious Russian activities" throughout the Euro-Atlantic area in a statement issued on Thursday.
Putin feels "emboldened"
The article recalls Russian disinformation campaigns, hacking activities, and attempts to bribe far-right European politicians before the European Parliament elections. An intelligence official remarked to "FT" that Putin now feels "emboldened" and aims to exert maximum pressure on Europe through disinformation, sabotage, and cyber-attacks.
The bolstered aggression from Russian intelligence also signifies an attempt to recover after the setbacks following the invasion of Ukraine. Over 600 Moscow agents operating under diplomatic cover in Europe were expelled. The British Royal United Services Institute's recent report describes Russia's efforts to regain its influence in Europe by employing "proxies," including members of the Russian diaspora and organized crime groups linked to the Kremlin.
With Russian activities intensifying, security services are at the highest alert level, striving to identify potential overlooked targets. "Russia is learning how it could immobilize Europe. This is a warm-up," concludes the newspaper.
Source: PAP
