Russia expected to intensify hybrid war on Europe
Drone explosions, airspace violations, arson attacks: Poland, Romania, and Moldova are now regularly targeted in Russian attacks against Ukraine. More governments are calling these attacks deliberate acts of aggression.
Russia is anticipated to escalate its hybrid war against Europe, particularly following a series of recent incidents. Drone overflights have become commonplace in some central and southeastern European regions, with such flights even resulting in crashes and explosions, especially near Ukraine's borders. Authorities are frequently compelled to close airspace or halt airport operations due to unauthorized flights.
Bombing of border crossings, infrastructure, and trains in Ukraine, as well as sabotage, have become increasingly common. This shift in aggression became evident when Moldova recorded four drones entering its airspace, two of which exploded, leading to the closure of its northern airspace. Similarly, Romanian airspace was temporarily closed after two drones violated it, with one crashing near the town of Solca, prompting the closure of a nearby border crossing with Ukraine.
NATO aircraft were scrambled near the Danube Delta in response to these attacks. Poland also experienced frequent NATO fighter jet scrambles due to Russian attacks close to its border with Ukraine, with one Polish border crossing evacuated after a fire at a Starlink ground station. Romanian Prime Minister Donald Tusk described Russia as refining its "disgusting forms of pressure," warning that Poland must be prepared for similar actions.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized that Russia's war posed a danger to all of Europe, while Romania's President Nicusor Dan highlighted that the country has directly felt the impacts of the war through repeated airspace violations. Speculation is growing that Russia could extend its war to Western Europe, with a CIA report suggesting potential drone attacks on Italy, France, and Spain.
While no official confirmation has been given, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the possibility of such an attack as plausible. Defense officials across Europe are warning that this hybrid war against the West and NATO is the most serious since the end of the Cold War, emphasizing the urgent need for preparedness.
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