EU Must Strengthen Intelligence Sharing Due To Russian Hybrid Attacks — Kallas

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has called for enhanced intelligence sharing and protection of critical infrastructure to effectively counter Russian hybrid attacks. During a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Kallas stated that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hybrid attacks against Europe have been steadily increasing.

Russia adapts its methods based on the targeted country, employing tactics such as distorting the information space, exploiting social divisions, and interfering in elections, as well as engaging in physical attacks against military infrastructure, public transport, and critical facilities.

Kallas emphasized the importance of the European Union Intelligence and Situation Centre (IntCen) in joint intelligence efforts to cover the full spectrum of Russian hybrid operations. She stated that recent incidents across Europe should not be viewed as coincidental, including a Russian warship and Danish helicopter interaction, a drone destruction incident over Lithuania by NATO aircraft, and a drone found in Poland's waters.

Kallas believes these actions aim to weaken European resolve, test unity, and instill fear of escalation.

Putin, according to Kallas, wants to intimidate European countries, paralyze societies, and make them doubt the necessity of action. She urged the EU not to reduce support for Ukraine in response to Russia's actions but instead increase pressure on Moscow and raise the cost of hybrid operations for it. Possible measures include publicly establishing Russia's responsibility for specific attacks, imposing sanctions on those involved, restricting Russia's sources of financing, strengthening protection of Europe's information space, and limiting the activity and movement of Russian diplomats.

Kallas concluded by asserting that Putin will not stop unless confronted, and Europe must make Moscow pay a higher price. The Institute for the Study of War has previously suggested that Russia's war against NATO countries has already commenced, with Moscow operating below the threshold that would trigger NATO's Article 5.