Since early 2021, European intelligence has observed an increase in Russian sabotage activities across Western Europe, including the use of drones, explosives, and other sabotage tools to disrupt critical infrastructure and create instability. These operations involve organized criminal networks transporting materials across borders and are often linked to Russian intelligence proxies, including Wagner mercenaries and local collaborators in several countries, including Ukraine. The recent escalation includes attacks on pipelines, power infrastructure, and shipments, contributing to a broader hybrid warfare strategy by Russia aimed at weakening Western unity and defense capabilities. Analysts warn these sabotage activities have grown in scale and sophistication, posing significant security challenges for targeted states.

Since early 2021, European intelligence has observed an increase in Russian sabotage activities across Western Europe, including the use of drones, explosives, and other sabotage tools to disrupt critical infrastructure and create instability. These operations involve organized criminal networks transporting materials across borders and are often linked to Russian intelligence proxies, including Wagner mercenaries and local collaborators in several countries, including Ukraine. The recent escalation includes attacks on pipelines, power infrastructure, and shipments, contributing to a broader hybrid warfare strategy by Russia aimed at weakening Western unity and defense capabilities. Analysts warn these sabotage activities have grown in scale and sophistication, posing significant security challenges for targeted states.