Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Europe Warns of Russian Sabotage, Rejects Imminent NATO Attack
European officials say Russia is using secretive attacks and other tricks to frighten countries supporting Ukraine.
These actions include cyberattacks, sabotage, drones and airspace violations.
Poland and Romania have reported incidents involving their territory.
The officials say these actions may be designed to divide European countries and reduce their support for Ukraine.
However, they do not believe Russia is about to launch a large conventional attack on NATO.
Estonia’s foreign minister said Russia is still heavily involved in the war in Ukraine.
Lithuania warned that Russia could expand attacks against infrastructure in NATO countries.
European officials want stronger sanctions and closer cooperation.
They also want countries to keep helping Ukraine during the winter.
Russia denies carrying out sabotage in NATO countries or planning a confrontation.
European officials say Russia is intensifying sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incursions and other hybrid operations to weaken support for Ukraine.
Poland and Romania reported airspace violations and drone-related incidents, while Poland said Russian activity included arson and explosions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged tougher sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and military-industrial complex.
Estonian officials said Russia does not appear capable of or prepared for an imminent conventional attack on NATO.
European ministers called for allied unity, deterrence and continued support for Ukraine ahead of expected winter attacks on energy infrastructure.
- Who
- European ministers and officials, including Kaja Kallas, Radoslaw Sikorski, Oana Toiu, Margus Tsahkna and Kestutis Budrys, discussed Russia’s activities; the Kremlin denied the allegations.
- What
- Officials warned of increasing Russian sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incursions and other hybrid operations, while saying no imminent direct attack on NATO was evident.
- When
- The officials spoke during the week of September 23 at the United Nations General Assembly; Poland reported a helicopter incursion on Wednesday.
- Where
- Across Europe, particularly NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland and Romania; the officials spoke in New York alongside the UN General Assembly.
- Why
- European officials said the operations aim to create fear, divide Western societies and weaken support for Ukraine.
European Officials’ Assessment
Kremlin’s Position
Responsibility for covert attacks
European Officials’ Assessment
European ministers said Russia is intensifying sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incursions and other hybrid operations across Europe.
Kremlin’s Position
The Kremlin consistently denies conducting sabotage operations in NATO countries.
Nature of the threat
European Officials’ Assessment
Officials said the incidents are actual attacks or deliberate pressure intended to create fear, test Western resolve and weaken support for Ukraine.
Kremlin’s Position
Russia’s stated position, as reported, rejects the accusation that it is conducting these operations or plotting a confrontation.
Risk of direct NATO conflict
European Officials’ Assessment
European officials said Russia’s covert campaign is serious but dismissed predictions of an imminent conventional attack on NATO; Estonia said Moscow lacked the capability and preparation for such an assault.
Kremlin’s Position
The Kremlin denies plotting any confrontation with NATO countries.
- Main concern
- Covert and deniable Russian actions intended to unsettle Ukraine’s allies and erode Western unity.
- Reported Polish incident
- Poland’s army said a Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered its airspace from Kaliningrad.
- Romanian incidents
- Romania reported more than 100 incursions by drones or drone fragments onto its territory.
- EU response proposed
- Kaja Kallas called for tougher sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet and military-industrial complex.
- Direct attack assessment
- Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia did not appear capable of or prepared for active military aggression against NATO.
- Winter warning
- Kestutis Budrys warned that Russia could intensify attacks on energy infrastructure and that cold could be weaponized.
- Russian position
- The Kremlin denies conducting sabotage operations in NATO countries or plotting a confrontation.