Poland, Romania and Latvia become main targets of Russian sabotage in Europe

Scale of hybrid threats in Europe

Poland has joined the list of states most affected by hybrid attacks linked to Russia. This became known thanks to a joint investigation by SVT and the European Broadcasting Union.

Experts recorded at least 54 physical attacks and likely sabotage plans on European territory between 1 April and 15 October 2026. Poland, Romania and Latvia emerged as leaders in the number of incidents.

Nature of recorded incidents

The report includes cases of arson, attacks on infrastructure facilities, incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as military provocations.

It is important to note that the study is based exclusively on open sources. Cyberattacks, influence operations and traditional espionage were not included in its scope.

Expert warnings

Specialists at the European Centre for Countering Hybrid Threats emphasise that such operations are becoming increasingly dangerous. They claim that these actions blur the clear line between peacetime and wartime.

Experts name weakening Western support for Ukraine as one of the likely objectives of these actions.