European ministers report intensified Russian hybrid attacks — The Japan Times
In New York, United States, European ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly said that sabotage, cyberattacks and other hybrid actions by the Russian Federation, an aggressor state, have intensified. At the same time, they do not believe Moscow is currently capable of carrying out a direct military attack on NATO countries, The Japan Times reports, citing Reuters.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that incidents of sabotage and airspace violations have rapidly increased in Europe. According to her, Moscow is trying to intimidate European countries so that they reduce support for Ukraine. Kallas called for stronger sanctions pressure on Russia, particularly regarding its shadow fleet and military-industrial complex.
Incidents in Poland and Romania
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski described such actions as not merely threats but real attacks. He mentioned arson, explosions, drone incursions, as well as what Warsaw considers the deliberate violation of Polish airspace by a Russian cruise missile.
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reported that a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace from Russia's Kaliningrad region. Sikorski also said that Polish F-16 fighter jets are scrambled almost daily due to approaching drones or missiles.
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Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu reported more than 100 cases of drones or their debris entering the country's territory during Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube and the Black Sea. She noted that Bucharest has no data indicating direct targeting of Romania, but holds Russia responsible for the risk created. Romania also closed the Russian consulate in Constanța. The Kremlin has consistently denied carrying out sabotage in NATO countries or preparing a confrontation with the alliance.
No direct attack on NATO expected
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Russia lacks the capabilities and is not preparing for active military aggression against NATO or European states, as its forces are largely engaged in the war against Ukraine. In his view, Moscow's hybrid campaign is primarily aimed at spreading fear and dividing Western societies.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said that allied intelligence data point to the risk of Russia expanding pressure on NATO states through attacks on critical infrastructure and other hybrid operations. European ministers said that the response to such actions is allied unity, deterrence of Russia and continued support for Ukraine, particularly ahead of winter.
