Reports from U.S. and European officials reveal that Russia’s military intelligence agency, the G.R.U., is orchestrating a covert sabotage campaign across Europe to undermine backing for Ukraine. The targeted arson attacks on various sites aim to disrupt arms transfers to Kyiv and create the impression of European opposition to supporting Ukraine.
U.S. and European security officials have reported that Russia’s military intelligence agency, the G.R.U., is leading a covert sabotage campaign across Europe to undermine support for Ukraine. This campaign has involved a series of arson attacks on various sites, including a warehouse in England, a paint factory in Poland, homes in Latvia, and an Ikea store in Lithuania. Officials believe these efforts are intended to disrupt arms transfers to Kyiv and foster the appearance of European opposition to supporting Ukraine.
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia and Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland have both commented on the growing threat, with arrests made in Poland of individuals accused of arson and related activities on behalf of Russian intelligence. Additionally, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store of Norway has highlighted the threats against his country’s energy producers and arms factories. NATO ambassadors are scheduled to discuss the situation with Avril D. Haines, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, next month.
The sabotage acts are believed to be part of a broader Russian strategy to weaken European resolve and complicate the logistics of arms transfers to Ukraine. While the operations have not significantly disrupted weapons flows, they have led to increased security measures throughout supply chains.
Russian-owned properties in the UK, linked to intelligence activities, have also come under scrutiny. Home Secretary James Cleverly has closed several buildings and imposed restrictions on the duration of Russian diplomats’ stays in the UK. This response follows past actions, such as the expulsion of Russian spies after the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack.
The security situation remains delicate, with concerns about further escalation and the implications for NATO and European relations with Russia.