The head of the Czech security intelligence service, Michal Koudelka, has issued a warning that Russia may soon undertake riskier and larger operations against NATO member states that support Ukraine. His comments were made during a parliamentary security conference, as reported by Reuters.
Koudelka outlined possible scenarios, suggesting Russia could launch sabotage attacks targeting facilities related to aid for Ukraine, use drones or missiles against military depots meant for Ukraine, or in an extreme case, conduct a limited military action against neighboring NATO countries. However, he emphasized that the latter scenario does not currently represent an imminent threat, as “Russia has all its forces concentrated in Ukraine.”
He also stated that while there are no concrete threats identified against the Czech Republic, his agency is closely monitoring operations that might affect the country and its allies. Koudelka noted that Russia’s hybrid activities aim to undermine the unity of the NATO military alliance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently claimed that Russia does not intend to attack any European country and wishes to coexist peacefully. Moscow has consistently denied involvement in sabotage or hybrid warfare operations.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also raised concerns about Russia’s hybrid threats, including drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s allies, according to Agerpres. Poland, a NATO and EU member situated on the eastern flank of the alliance, has repeatedly accused Russia of sabotage since its invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
What NATO Countries Can Do About Russia’s Sabotage
In recent months, incidents of sabotage, cyberattacks, and drone observations attributed to Russia have increased across various European countries. This includes a drone attack in Leipzig and a Russian strike on a Ukrainian train near the Polish border earlier this month.
U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), stated at the end of September that the best response for European countries to Russian sabotage and other destabilizing actions is to publicly attribute blame to Moscow and to strengthen support for Ukraine.
He advised European lawmakers that making such attributions known would demonstrate their understanding of Russian actions and increase the costs for those supporting them. “They will realize that their networks are ineffective and that they need to change their behavior, which, in itself, has a deterrent effect,” Grynkewich added.
