In 2024, Russia has escalated its sabotage and hybrid warfare campaign across Europe, targeting NATO countries through disruptive actions such as arson, sabotage, and espionage. Key incidents include an arson attack on the Diehl Metal Applications facility in Berlin, sabotage attempts in Bavaria and France against Ukraine's war efforts, and attempts to disrupt critical infrastructure like Stockholm airport and Polish railways. Several countries, including Poland, have expelled Russian diplomats and closed consulates over alleged sabotage. Russian operations aim to erode Western cohesion and support for Ukraine, combining hybrid tactics including disinformation, cyberattacks, and manipulation of migration flows. Investigations and arrests of Russian-linked saboteurs occurred in multiple countries. Western response has been cautious due to fears of escalation, although calls for more robust countermeasures grow. Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö recommended the EU establish a pan-European intelligence center to counter these threats. The campaign is part of Russia's broader hybrid warfare to destabilize European unity and support for Ukraine without overt military confrontation.

In 2024, Russia has escalated its sabotage and hybrid warfare campaign across Europe, targeting NATO countries through disruptive actions such as arson, sabotage, and espionage. Key incidents include an arson attack on the Diehl Metal Applications facility in Berlin, sabotage attempts in Bavaria and France against Ukraine's war efforts, and attempts to disrupt critical infrastructure like Stockholm airport and Polish railways. Several countries, including Poland, have expelled Russian diplomats and closed consulates over alleged sabotage. Russian operations aim to erode Western cohesion and support for Ukraine, combining hybrid tactics including disinformation, cyberattacks, and manipulation of migration flows. Investigations and arrests of Russian-linked saboteurs occurred in multiple countries. Western response has been cautious due to fears of escalation, although calls for more robust countermeasures grow. Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö recommended the EU establish a pan-European intelligence center to counter these threats. The campaign is part of Russia's broader hybrid warfare to destabilize European unity and support for Ukraine without overt military confrontation.