NATO Members Sound Alarm as Russia's Shadow War Escalates Across Europe

NATO Members Sound Alarm as Russia's Shadow War Escalates Across Europe

Poland warns of Russian hybrid attacks while NATO allies rush troops and air defenses to the eastern flank.

· 2 min read ·
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Poland's foreign minister is warning that NATO must prepare for deadly Russian "hybrid" attacks as European nations mobilize troops, air defense systems, and intelligence resources in response to what they describe as a growing sabotage campaign on European soil.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said the risk of casualties from hybrid attacks is growing. A hybrid attack mixes military and non-military methods, including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation [260191]. He pointed to Moscow's rising sabotage campaign across Europe as evidence of the escalating threat [260191].

The warning comes as Poland investigates an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. A spokesperson for the minister overseeing Poland's intelligence services warned there is a "high likelihood" that threats against senior Polish officials will be carried out [259967].

Across Europe, countries are taking concrete steps to prepare for new Russian sabotage and attacks. Estonia is moving troops closer to the Russian border and building a new base, a move that cuts reaction time in half, according to Johan Huovinen of the Swedish Defence University [256654]. Germany is creating a new intelligence organization [257965].

Sweden is sending its Patriot air defense system to Poland to protect transports of military equipment to Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "The Russian threat is not new, but constantly present and comes in new forms" [256680]. Sweden is also sending fighter jets to Finland [257965].

Separately, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said a wave of school attacks this week is driven by the glorification of violence online. His comments came after stabbings at Polish schools left one person dead and others injured [260170].

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned French and German voters about possible Russian interference in their upcoming elections. He pointed to what he called "clear" Russian meddling in Britain's 2016 referendum on European Union membership, commonly known as Brexit [259901]. Russia has denied interfering in the Brexit vote [259901].


Sources

Poland warns: NATO must prepare for deadly Russian 'hybrid' attacks #260191Poland warns of 'high likelihood' of plot to kill prime minister, defense minister #259967Europe braces for Russian shadow war: Estonia moves troops, Germany builds spy agency #257965Estonia arms border as Russia threat grows: "They can move faster" #256654Sweden sends Patriot system to Poland #256680Poland school attacks: Tusk blames online violence #260170Russia meddled in Brexit, UK PM warns French and German voters #259901

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