BERLIN – Russia is intensifying its campaign of sabotage in NATO countries as a means to undermine European support for Ukraine, prompting a reevaluation of defensive strategies among European nations.
European officials currently do not anticipate a large-scale Russian invasion of any NATO country, suggesting that existing deterrence measures have been effective. However, they are concerned about how to address the increasing frequency of Russian attacks. Officials expressed particular worry that these actions, whether intentional or accidental, could lead to significant casualties.
David Cattler, a former NATO intelligence official now affiliated with the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, stated, “Moscow is trying to break the will to support Ukraine and trying in a broader sense to change the security architecture of Europe.” He emphasized that Russia is employing tactics that are difficult to trace, which they believe are impactful enough to influence the situation while remaining below the threshold that could provoke a larger conflict.
