European concerns grow as Russia’s alleged sabotage campaign raises fears of escalation

Warnings of wider operations

Concern about possible escalation grew after the failed August operation targeting cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The European Commission later verified it as a Russian operation.

Pressure across Europe

European security officials, cited by Politico, said Russia was planning to move beyond messaging and cause deaths on European soil. The article also describes drone incursions and alleged attempts to assassinate European defence leaders as part of fears about a shadow war.

Calls for stronger deterrence

Olena Tregub, cofounder and head of Ukraine’s Independent Anti-Corruption Commission, said protecting infrastructure and preventing attacks are important, but deterrence also requires making continued operations costly. She questioned whether Russia currently faces costs high enough to discourage them.

From Ukraine’s perspective, Europe has been slow to see sabotage, military operations, cyberattacks and information warfare as early stages of a multidimensional war. One unnamed speaker argued that a lack of retaliation encourages Russia and called for more NATO troops in the Baltic states, as well as stronger support for Ukraine.

Ukraine seeks more support

Ukraine is seeking more money from Europe to help reverse the course of the war and reclaim occupied territories. The article says Europe provides the vast majority of the funding being sought. An unnamed speaker said Ukraine could double or triple drone production with greater support, increasing pressure on Russia.