Healthy processed event from Hybrid War Tracker
Headline: Dutch intelligence agencies warn of escalating Russian hybrid attacks
Short Summary: Dutch intelligence services AIVD and MIVD issued a detailed warning on February 19, 2026, that Russia is intensifying hybrid warfare tactics throughout Europe. These include cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage, and influence operations designed to disrupt critical infrastructure and societal stability. The agencies highlighted a notable increase in aggressive operations since 2024, with examples including instructions to send incendiary packages abroad linked to Russian intelligence. Russia aims to manipulate politics, create division, hinder aid to Ukraine, and degrade European unity. The warning was contemporaneous with multiple hostile acts: Russian drones violated Polish airspace and were shot down by Dutch F-35 jets, Dutch fighters entered Estonian airspace, and a Russian frigate and cargo ship transited the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea under Dutch naval surveillance. The Dutch navy vessel Zr.Ms. Den Helder actively escorted the Russian frigate Neustrashimy. These developments exemplify a Russian hybrid warfare campaign blurring peace and war, requiring enhanced deterrence and defense measures in Europe.
Extended Summary: Dutch intelligence services AIVD and MIVD issued a detailed warning on February 19, 2026, that Russia is intensifying hybrid warfare tactics throughout Europe. These include cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage, and influence operations designed to disrupt critical infrastructure and societal stability. The agencies highlighted a notable increase in aggressive operations since 2024, with examples including instructions to send incendiary packages abroad linked to Russian intelligence. Russia aims to manipulate politics, create division, hinder aid to Ukraine, and degrade European unity. The warning was contemporaneous with multiple hostile acts: Russian drones violated Polish airspace and were shot down by Dutch F-35 jets, Dutch fighters entered Estonian airspace, and a Russian frigate and cargo ship transited the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea under Dutch naval surveillance. The Dutch navy vessel Zr.Ms. Den Helder actively escorted the Russian frigate Neustrashimy. These developments exemplify a Russian hybrid warfare campaign blurring peace and war, requiring enhanced deterrence and defense measures in Europe.
On February 19, 2026, Dutch intelligence agencies including the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) warned that Russia is escalating hybrid warfare across Europe. These activities combine cyberattacks, sabotage, influence operations, covert espionage, and physical sabotage, potentially affecting critical infrastructure and services. The threat has intensified since 2024, increasingly targeting physical environments beyond online activity. A specific case cited involved an individual instructed to send incendiary packages to the US and Canada on behalf of Russian intelligence. Russia's objectives include influencing politics, sowing division, disrupting aid to Ukraine, and undermining European support. The warnings stress that this gray zone between war and peace requires stronger measures to deter further attacks. This warning coincided with operational developments: Russian drones entered Polish airspace and were shot down by Dutch F-35 fighters; Dutch fighter jets entered Estonian airspace; and the Royal Netherlands Navy monitored a Russian frigate and cargo ship passing through the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea. The Dutch naval vessel Zr.Ms. Den Helder escorted the Russian frigate Neustrashimy. A Russian supply ship is also noted to be commissioning soon with exercises scheduled involving an NH90 helicopter.
Classified as aggressor event because Dutch intelligence agencies report Russian hybrid attacks including sabotage, drone incursions, and naval provocations. Classified as defense prep event because Dutch military and intelligence are actively monitoring Russian naval movements, shooting down drones, and preparing exercises to counter threats.
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