UK risks missing Nato defence targets due to land shortage, minister warns

This warning comes as Danish intelligence services have issued a stark warning about the increasing risk of Russian aggression. The Danish defense intelligence service reported a "low but growing risk" that Russia could conduct limited military attacks against NATO countries in the coming months. These potential actions include long-range strikes on infrastructure supporting Ukraine or a limited incursion into a neighboring country, possibly by troops operating without insignia.

Adding to these concerns, a fire at a Starlink satellite station in central Poland was described by local authorities as an "act of sabotage." Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland's deputy prime minister, suggested the incident, which disrupted internet access for various institutions including the Ukrainian military, aligned with Russia's new doctrine of attack and was an element of "hybrid warfare."

Several European intelligence agencies have noted an increase in suspected Russian sabotage operations targeting European infrastructure that supports Ukraine. Germany has publicly blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport, and other incidents, such as fires at drone factories and sabotage of rail infrastructure, are being investigated for potential links to Moscow, though Russia denies involvement.

Intelligence services anticipate Russia will escalate its hybrid attacks, which encompass cyber-attacks and sabotage, with potentially severe consequences for targeted societies. The aim is believed to be diverting European resources from Ukraine and exacerbating divisions within NATO. While an outright invasion of a NATO country is considered highly unlikely, it cannot be ruled out, and Russia may seek to test NATO's Article 5 collective defense commitment, particularly if it perceives a lack of US commitment to European allies.