Russia's covert moves: Europe's growing sabotage threat
Russian intelligence services are ramping up sabotage activities in Europe, which could be preparation for a confrontation with NATO, according to a report from Latvian intelligence.
These services are enhancing their abilities to conduct acts of sabotage in Europe. According to the report by the Latvian State Security Service (SAB), this is part of Moscow's long-term preparations for a possible military confrontation with NATO.
Russia tests Europe's reaction
In 2024, the number of acts of sabotage attributed to Russia increased, affecting more European countries. "This new trend confirms that Russia is already in direct confrontation with the West, and it is expanding its capabilities to carry out more intense attacks on a larger scale and on increasingly important targets, such as critical infrastructure," the SAB report emphasized.
"The relative simplicity and low publicity of the sabotage," it was noted, "indicate that Russia's capabilities are currently at an early stage of development." "It is very likely that Russian services are currently testing Europe's reaction and ability to prevent such incidents," the report states.
Latvian intelligence assesses that in 2025 the likelihood of a Russia-NATO military clash is "rather low," due to the concentration of Russian resources in Ukraine. However, if a frozen conflict in Ukraine occurs, Moscow could, within five years, increase its military presence near NATO's northeastern flank, significantly raising the military threat to the Alliance.
"To maintain security, we must develop our strength. No one tries to attack the strong and confident," emphasized Egils Zviedris, head of the Latvian intelligence agency.
The SAB also revealed cases of various types of attacks in Latvia, including cyberattacks, which so far have not gained much public attention. This includes attacks on national telecommunications operators, where attackers disrupted satellite operations by broadcasting a Russian propaganda channel.