Poland warns Russia is escalating sabotage in Europe, shifting from low-cost recruits to professional cells conducting complex sabotage and espionage operations since 2022.

Poland warns that Russia is shifting from using low-cost recruits to professional sabotage cells to conduct hybrid warfare across Europe. Poland's internal security service (ABW) reported an increase in Russian sabotage and espionage activities, including cyberattacks, sabotage, arson attacks, and vandalism. Over 500 such incidents were tracked since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Many individuals previously recruited as disposable agents are now being replaced by professional operators. Poland has conducted numerous espionage investigations in the past two years, uncovering Russian intelligence efforts as part of an influence campaign to destabilize Western countries. Russia aims to disrupt European political and economic stability by targeting critical infrastructure, especially transportation and energy sectors. ABW also noted an increase in Russian 'professionalization' of sabotage activities from 2024-2025, shifting to complex sabotage cells with experienced operatives including former soldiers, police officers, and mercenaries. In November 2023, Poland foiled a major sabotage operation affecting railway lines used to supply Ukraine. The move to more sophisticated and destructive sabotage tactics represents a significant intensification of hybrid warfare threats across Europe.