Russian hybrid sabotage and cyber attacks intensify across Europe aiming to destabilize EU and NATO institutions and reduce support for Ukraine.

On or before October 19, 2024, Russian hybrid warfare efforts are reported constantly targeting European states, including Germany, using diversified methods tailored to each country. The Kremlin's hybrid attacks aim to weaken NATO, the EU, and European states by undermining state institutions, sabotaging critical infrastructure through cyberattacks and ransomware, and fomenting societal polarization via disinformation. German intelligence warns of increased sabotage acts within Germany as part of a wider pan-European campaign to reduce support for Ukraine and destabilize the West. Russia also conducts signalling by mapping critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region, including undersea cables, indicating potential future sabotage or military operations. The Kremlin is preparing to eventually complement hybrid attacks with conventional military means while continuing tailored hybrid attacks to exploit systemic weaknesses in different countries. Experts highlight the challenges in defending against these persistent, adaptive, and ethically unconstrained threats, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness across institutions and populations in Europe. NATO's full-spectrum defense is crucial given Russia's potential targeting of less-defended states beyond the Baltic region.