Russia plans to ramp up hybrid attacks on NATO, Danish intelligence warns
Photo: Denmark's intelligence service predicts an increase in Russia's hybrid attacks on NATO countries (Getty Images)
Russia to intensify hybrid warfare
Denmark's intelligence service has issued new assessments regarding Russia's hybrid warfare against the West.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in hybrid warfare, sabotage operations in NATO countries, or plans for any confrontation.
Denmark's Defense Intelligence Service said Russia will carry out more frequent attacks against the West and NATO, "with greater consequences for the countries targeted than in the past."
Limited military attack
According to Danish intelligence, there is "a growing risk" that Russia could launch a limited military attack against one or more NATO countries bordering Russia.
"A limited military attack would be a desperate move on Russia’s part and, like the intensified hybrid attacks, could potentially take place in the coming months," the statement said.
Such attacks could include:
- isolated long-range strikes using drones or missiles against infrastructure supporting Ukraine;
- false-flag operations involving Ukrainian-made drones.
Intelligence chief Thomas Ahrenkiel said this at a press conference.
He said Russia could also deploy a limited number of troops in NATO's border areas, possibly under the pretext of protecting Russian minorities.
"The aim is not to take over the country, but to divide NATO," he said.
Russian attack on helicopter
According to the Danish military, a Russian frigate fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter last week. One of them nearly hit the aircraft.
In a separate statement on September 24, the Danish Resilience Agency warned that Russia could attempt destructive cyberattacks against Denmark and raised the threat level.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that European intelligence officials believe Russia could test NATO's strength in the near future. According to one of them, a potential attack could happen in months, not years.
NATO has also said it is prepared for any Russian provocations and attacks. An Alliance general stressed that NATO is ready to respond to potential escalation on Europe's eastern flank.
In addition, Lithuania recently said it had received intelligence indicating that Russia could be preparing false-flag operations to test NATO's readiness to respond.
