European Nations Warn of Russian Sabotage, Rule Out Imminent NATO Attack
On September 23, as world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly, European officials raised fresh concerns over Russian sabotage and other hybrid attacks across Europe. However, despite the growing security concerns, officials are dismissing concerns that Moscow is capable of launching a direct assault on NATO.
Speaking on the margins of the UN General Assembly this week, European officials from NATO’s eastern flank claimed Moscow was increasingly deploying sabotage, hacking, drone intrusions, and other covert operations to instil fear, test the West’s resolve and weaken support for Kyiv.
“Europe faces a fast proliferation of sabotage attacks and airspace violations,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters. “Moscow is trying to scare Europe into winding down its support for Ukraine.”
In the same discussion, Kallas urges greater pressure on Moscow through tougher sanctions, including measures aimed at Russia’s shadow fleet and military-industrial sector.
She said, “Russia’s economy is one of its weakest parts. And we need to increase the pressure on Moscow so that they will stop this war.
Moving into the UN General Assembly, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that they are not just threats but a real attack. On Wednesday, Polish Army Operational Command said a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter flying from Kaliningrad briefly entered Polish airspace.
Siroshki stated that due to the unclear situation of approaching drones and missiles, Polish F-16 fighter jets have to be dispatched immediately on a continuous basis.
“Our F-16s are scrambled up almost every day now because you just never know when these drones or missiles that approach might not actually be possible.”
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu speaks to Reuters: Bucharest has seen more than 100 incursions by drones or drone fragments onto its territory since Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube and Black Sea.
“We do not have data to indicate we’re targeted directly, but that doesn’t change the responsibility of Russia for the risk it creates,” she said.
Officials See No Immediate Military Threat To NATO
Despite the growing concerns, ministers made a distinction between covering Russian operations and a direct assault on NATO.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said to Reuters, “We don’t see that Russia is able and even preparing for some kind of active military aggression against NATO or the European countries.”
Moscow’s campaign is focused solely on creating fear and driving divisions among European countries and their Western allies.
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