The threat posed by Russian “hybrid activities” against European countries is growing in scale, intensity, and audacity, according to a new report

released Thursday by Dutch intelligence services.

In their joint assessment, the AIVD and the MIVD say they are seeing a steady rise in covert operations designed to destabilize countries across the European Union.

The report draws on a series of incidents throughout Europe, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and acts of sabotage. Intelligence officials point to a range of tactics believed to be linked to Russia, such as using drones to disrupt flight paths, damaging deep-sea communication cables, and sending incendiary devices aboard aircraft.

The Netherlands itself has not been spared. According to the services, Russia is suspected of carrying out cyberattacks and making concrete preparations to sabotage critical national infrastructure.

What concerns intelligence officials most is the changing nature of these operations. The report notes that recent attacks appear more aggressive and reckless than before, suggesting a growing willingness to accept higher risks and potential escalation.

The ultimate goal, the agencies say, is to undermine political stability in Europe and weaken international support for Ukraine, particularly as the war continues.

Looking ahead, Dutch intelligence expects hybrid attacks to increase further. The report urges governments, businesses, and academic institutions across Europe to remain vigilant and to strengthen their defenses against a threat that is no longer theoretical, but already unfolding. Photo by jaydeep_, Wikimedia commons.