Estonia has warned that Russia could intensify hybrid attacks across Europe to weaken Western support for Ukraine, with sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation posing growing concerns for European unity.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna raised the concerns in an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Warsaw, saying Moscow was closely monitoring how Western countries respond to potential threats and maintain political unity.
“Russia is looking very carefully how we react. What is our political unity in practice,” Tsahkna told Reuters.
He said the Baltic states, Finland and Poland had spent decades preparing for possible Russian attacks, but expressed concern that societies in Western Europe might be less prepared to deal with such threats.
European officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of intensifying hybrid operations across the continent to undermine public support for the military and financial assistance that European countries and NATO provide to Ukraine. The allegations involve activities intended to disrupt critical infrastructure, spread disinformation and create divisions among Western allies.
The Kremlin has consistently denied European allegations linking Russia to drone incidents, cyberattacks, arson and other covert operations in NATO member states.
Tsahkna warned that Moscow could expand its hybrid campaign, with critical infrastructure and defence industry companies among the potential targets. Such operations, he cautioned, could deepen divisions within Western societies and weaken their willingness to continue supporting Kyiv.
His warning comes as disagreements over assistance to Ukraine persist, while strained relations between Kyiv and Washington add to uncertainty surrounding Western backing. Political parties opposed to continued military support have also sought to influence policy debates in several European countries.
In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the left-wing BSW party joined forces on Wednesday, October 14, to pass a motion in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament calling for an end to Berlin’s military assistance to Ukraine.
The motion also called for an end to support for Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions against Russia. However, the measure was symbolic because German state parliaments do not have authority over national foreign policy. Germany’s federal government has continued to support Kyiv.
Meanwhile, in France, National Rally leader Marine Le Pen has said the country can no longer afford to finance Ukraine’s war effort.
Goodness Anunobi
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