Russia is enhancing hybrid attack capabilities in Europe using new recruitment tactics, causing more dangerous attacks with higher civilian harm. Estonia has strengthened laws against cooperation with Russian intelligence. Experts foresee more hybrid attacks targeting critical infrastructure and societal divisions. Legal and international cooperation updates are needed for infrastructure protection. Russian direct attacks on Baltic states are not currently planned.

Russia is rapidly strengthening its hybrid attack capabilities in Europe, employing new tactics including recruiting individuals with criminal backgrounds and ordinary social media users. These recruited individuals often cause more damage than traditional spies due to lack of specialized training, leading to higher civilian casualties and complex attribution. Estonia has enhanced legislation to punish intent to cooperate with Russian intelligence. Experts predict increased hybrid attacks aimed at creating conflict and division in European countries supportive of Ukraine. Russia is also reportedly monitoring and mapping critical infrastructure sites such as railways and bridges in Europe, reminiscent of Soviet-era sabotage doctrines. International legal frameworks for protecting underwater infrastructure are outdated and require updates and synchronized cooperation among Baltic Sea countries. Despite increased threats, Estonian intelligence states Russia is not planning a direct attack on the Baltic states currently, and NATO countermeasures have been effective.