Russian sabotage tactics in Europe spark NATO concerns

Russian intelligence agencies are enhancing their capabilities to conduct sabotage acts in Europe. As outlined in the report by the Latvian State Security Service (SAB), this is part of Moscow's long-term preparations for a possible military confrontation with NATO.

In 2024, the number of sabotage acts attributed to Russia has increased, and their scope has expanded to involve more European countries. "The new trend confirms that Russia is already in direct confrontation with the West, and it is expanding its capabilities to carry out more intense attacks, on a larger scale, and on increasingly important targets, like critical infrastructure," emphasized the SAB report.

"The relative simplicity and low publicity of the sabotages indicate that Russia's capabilities are currently at an early stage of development," it was noted. "It is very likely that Russian services are currently testing Europe's reaction and ability to prevent such incidents," the report concludes.

Latvian intelligence assesses that the likelihood of a Russia-NATO military clash in 2025 is "rather low" due to the concentration of Russian resources in Ukraine. However, in the event of a frozen conflict in Ukraine, Moscow could, within five years, increase its military presence near NATO's northeastern flank, significantly raising the military threat to the Alliance.

- To maintain security, we must bolster our strength. No one attempts to challenge those who are strong and confident, - emphasized Egils Zviedris, head of the Latvian intelligence agency.

The SAB also revealed various types of attacks in Latvia, including cyberattacks, which have not yet gained much public attention. This includes attacks on national telecommunications operators where attackers disrupted satellite operations by broadcasting a Russian propaganda channel.