Europeans warn of rising Russian sabotage but see no imminent NATO attack

EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas speaks during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center on July 24 in Manila. | REUTERS

Reuters

Sep 24, 2026

UNITED NATIONS – Russia is intensifying sabotage, cyberattacks and other hybrid attacks across Europe to undermine support for Ukraine, European ministers said, while dismissing concerns that Moscow is capable of launching a direct assault on NATO.

Speaking on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week, officials from countries on NATO’s eastern flank said Moscow was increasingly using drone incursions, cyberattacks, sabotage and other covert operations to sow fear, test Western resolve and weaken backing 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.”

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