Ukrainian military intelligence warned that Russia's special services have been tasked with increasing hybrid warfare activities across the European Union and NATO states. These operations aim to undermine aid to Ukraine and weaken the Alliance, potentially targeting military facilities, critical infrastructure, and communication systems, including Starlink stations.
The warning highlights escalating geopolitical tensions and the potential for Russia to destabilize European security and undermine support for Ukraine through covert and disruptive actions, impacting critical infrastructure and alliances.
Russia's secret services have been instructed to escalate "hybrid warfare" activities within the European Union and NATO member states, according to a warning issued by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) on Oct. 2. The operations are intended to disrupt Western support for Ukraine and diminish NATO's capabilities.
The HUR statement indicated that Russian special services plan to deploy agents recruited by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU) and the FSB to conduct sabotage. These operations are expected to target military installations, essential infrastructure, and communication networks.
Among the potential targets identified are Starlink satellite internet receiving stations, which are crucial for Ukrainian military communications. In August, Germany formally accused Russia of attempting to destroy a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft using modified FPV drones in Leipzig.
Separately, on Sept. 24, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski suggested that a fire at a Starlink ground station in Poland on Sept. 23 might have been a deliberate act to disrupt internet access for Ukrainian forces. The station, operated by Exatel, serves as a vital internet hub. While Polish authorities are still investigating, Gawkowski indicated that Russia could be responsible as part of its hybrid warfare strategy.
Across Europe, governments are reportedly enhancing their readiness for potential Russian hybrid attacks, with officials expressing concerns about Moscow's increasing use of drones, sabotage, and cyberattacks to test NATO's resolve and influence its support for Ukraine.
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