A comprehensive AP investigation reveals Russia's widespread sabotage efforts across Europe, targeting critical infrastructure and political stability. (AP File)
- Russia's sabotage campaign targets European infrastructure, sowing division and undermining Ukraine support.
- Western officials document 59 incidents of Russian-linked attacks across Europe since 2022.
- NATO and European intelligence services work to track and counter Russian hybrid warfare tactics.
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Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of staging dozens of attacks and other incidents across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, according to data collected by The Associated Press.
They allege the disruption campaign is an extension of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war, intended to sow division in European societies and undermine support for Ukraine.
The Scope of Russian Sabotage
The AP documented 59 incidents in which European governments, prosecutors, intelligence services or other Western officials blamed Russia, groups linked to Russia or its ally Belarus for cyberattacks, spreading propaganda, plotting killings or committing acts of vandalism, arson, sabotage or espionage since the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion.
The incidents range from stuffing car tailpipes with expanding foam in Germany to a plot to plant explosives on cargo planes. They include setting fire to stores and a museum, hacking that targeted politicians and critical infrastructure, and spying by a ring convicted in the U.K.
Richard Moore, the head of Britain’s foreign intelligence service, called it a “staggeringly reckless campaign” in November.
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Challenging Proof and Motivations
It is often difficult to prove Russia’s involvement, and the Kremlin denied carrying out a sabotage campaign against the West. But more and more governments are publicly attributing attacks to Russia.
The alleged disruption has a double purpose, James Appathurai, the NATO official responsible for the alliance’s response to such threats, told the AP. One is to create “political disquiet” and undermine citizens’ support for their governments and the other is to “undercut support for Ukraine,” said Appathurai, deputy assistant secretary-general for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber.
International Response and Implications
During the investigation, the AP spoke to 15 current officials, including two prime ministers, and officials from five European intelligence services, three defense ministries and NATO, in addition to experts.
The AP plotted the incidents on a map to show the scope of the alleged campaign, which experts say is particularly worrying at a time when U.S. support for Ukraine is wavering and European allies are questioning Washington’s reliability as a security partner and ally.
Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told the AP that the Kremlin has never been shown “any proofs” supporting the accusations and said “certainly we definitely reject any allegations.”
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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