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US Intelligence Warns Europe of Potential Russian "Hybrid" Attack
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US intelligence has warned European nations that Russia may be preparing "hybrid" operations in the region, particularly targeting Poland and the Baltic states, according to a report by Bloomberg citing a European official.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) flagged potential risks involving sabotage of critical infrastructure and false-flag operations. However, intelligence sources noted it remains possible that the Kremlin is merely creating the appearance of preparations to spread fear as part of an information campaign.
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Officials emphasized there are currently no indications that Moscow is planning a conventional invasion of European countries.
The warning comes amid repeated threats from Russian authorities toward Baltic nations, where ethnic Russians account for roughly 25 percent of the population in Latvia, 20 percent in Estonia, and 5 percent in Lithuania.
Moscow has accused these countries of suppressing Russian speakers and assisting Ukraine with drone launches. In late June, Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would retaliate against European countries if drone attacks originate from their territory.
Earlier in May, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that Ukrainian drone personnel were stationed at five bases in Latvia: Ādaži, Sēlija, Lielvārde, Daugavpils, and Jēkabpils.
In response to potential risks, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia have stepped up security around power plants, dams, and gas infrastructure. NATO intelligence suggests Russian forces or intelligence agencies could plan staged attacks utilizing Ukrainian-made drones.
Moscow could also attempt to involve Belarus in its operational plans. Reports by The Wall Street Journal, citing current and former officials, indicate the Kremlin has been pressuring Alexander Lukashenko to provide territory either for opening a second front against Ukraine or for conducting actions against NATO states.
Sources noted such actions against NATO might not involve direct military combat, but rather operations designed to test the alliance’s defense capabilities or weaken support for Ukraine, similar to an incident last year where around 20 drones were launched into Poland from Belarusian territory.
At the same time, Poland's Foreign Intelligence Agency is assessing scenarios in which Russia could attempt to destabilize the Baltic states by deploying unidentified military personnel—the so-called “little green men” tactic first used during Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014.
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