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ConflictsEurope

Acts of sabotage linked to Russia surge in Europe

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Shannon Redstall
December 18, 2025

From the UK to Spain to Poland, acts of sabotage linked to Russia have surged in Europe since 2022. They don't just spread fear and uncertainty in Europe, they are also draining valuable security resources.

Russia's hybrid warfare is spreading across Europe, with 145 sabotage incidents linked to Moscow since the war in Ukraine began, according to an Associated Press investigation.

Attacks include arson in the UK, rail sabotage in Poland, and explosions in Germany.

Experts warn the Kremlin aims to sow fear, weaken support for Ukraine, and exploit security gaps — often using criminal proxies instead of agents. European intelligence now devotes as much time to Russian interference as to terrorism.

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