Denmark warns of heightened Russian hybrid attacks on NATO allies
Denmark’s defence intelligence service says Russia is likely to increase cyber-attacks, sabotage and possibly limited military strikes against NATO members in the coming months, though a full invasion remains unlikely.
Denmark’s defence intelligence service warned that Russia is expected to intensify its hybrid warfare against NATO allies in the next few months. The assessment anticipates more frequent cyber-attacks and sabotage operations that could cause significant civilian casualties and aim to disrupt European support for Ukraine.
The report notes a "low but growing" risk of a limited Russian military strike against a neighbouring NATO country, potentially using long-range weapons or a false-flag operation involving Ukrainian drones. While an outright invasion of a NATO member is deemed "highly unlikely," the service said it cannot be completely ruled out.
"Russia will further escalate its hybrid war against us in the coming months, with an increasing number of attacks aimed at causing greater damage than before," said Thomas Ahrenkiel, head of the Danish intelligence service.
Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the warning as "serious" and urged European partners to stand firm against attempts to sow discord. The national civil security agency also raised the threat level for destructive cyber-attacks from medium to high, citing specific planning of sabotage actions against Denmark.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking alongside Bulgaria’s leader, highlighted recent border incidents and a suspected arson attack on a Starlink installation in Poland, describing them as part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression.
The Danish defence minister reiterated that NATO’s collective response mechanisms, including Article 4 and Article 5, remain political decisions, but affirmed Denmark’s commitment to the alliance.