Europe is under attack from Russia, and the threat is more insidious than ever. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has sounded the alarm, warning that Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics are escalating across the continent. From political assassinations and cyberattacks to sabotage and arson, the Kremlin’s campaign is multifaceted and relentless.
In a recent interview in Berlin, Sikorski emphasized that Poland, during it’s EU presidency in the first half of 2025, will prioritize security. “we feel justified as our repeated warnings about the threat posed by Moscow have proved correct,” he said.
Russia’s aggression is not new, but its methods have evolved. Sikorski pointed to the infamous 2019 Berlin assassination and alleged political killings in the UK as examples of Moscow’s brazen tactics. “There are acts of sabotage in other countries: in Czechia, Lithuania, Poland,” he added, referencing arson attacks, threats, and infrastructure destruction that have shaken Eastern Europe.
The digital battlefield is equally fraught. “Russia’s attacks on European security have also been taking place online for many years,” Sikorski noted, citing interference in the Brexit referendum as a stark example. The recent events in Romania, where the first round of the presidential election was canceled after a pro-Russian candidate’s surprise victory, should serve as a “wake-up call.” “Someone paid for a social media campaign on his behalf,” Sikorski revealed.
Poland faces an additional challenge: “armed migrants” on its eastern border. Sikorski described this as a “hybrid operation conceived by Russia and Belarus,” designed to destabilize the region.
The strategy behind these attacks is clear.”Vladimir Putin is clearly trying to provoke us and manipulate our electoral systems and our institutions to restore Russian control over the territory of another country, as well as to destroy the Western alliance,” Sikorski explained.
So, what is the solution? Sikorski believes Europe must “take European defense seriously.” His mantra is simple yet powerful: “Strength deterred, weakness encouraged.”
The urgency of this message is underscored by recent revelations. On 15 January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia was planning terrorist attacks against Poland and international airlines. Earlier reports from Western security officials revealed Moscow’s intent to cause fires on cargo and passenger planes bound for the United States and Canada. Additionally, incendiary devices mailed from Lithuania caused fires at DHL facilities in Germany and the UK.
| Key Incidents of Russian Hybrid Warfare |
|———————————————|
| 2019 berlin assassination |
| Sabotage in Czechia, lithuania, Poland |
| Cyberattacks during Brexit referendum |
| Pro-Russian election interference in romania|
| Armed migrant crisis on Poland’s border |
| Planned terrorist attacks on airlines |
the stakes are high, and the time for action is now. As sikorski aptly put it, Europe must unite and strengthen its defenses to counter this growing threat. The continent’s security depends on it.
Europe Under Siege: Expert Insights on Russia’s Hybrid warfare Tactics
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In a recent interview, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted the escalating threat posed by Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics across Europe. From political assassinations and cyberattacks to sabotage and arson, the Kremlin’s campaign is multifaceted and relentless. To delve deeper into this critical issue, we spoke with Dr. Anna Kowalska, a leading expert on European security and hybrid warfare, to unpack the implications of these threats and explore potential solutions.
The Evolution of Russia’s Aggression
Senior Editor: Dr. Kowalska, thank you for joining us. Minister Sikorski has emphasized that Russia’s methods have evolved. could you elaborate on how these tactics have changed over the years?
Dr. Anna Kowalska: Absolutely. Russia’s aggression is not new, but its methods have become more sophisticated and insidious. in the past, we saw more overt military actions, such as the annexation of Crimea.Today, the Kremlin employs a combination of covert operations, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.For example, the 2019 Berlin assassination and alleged political killings in the UK demonstrate how Moscow is willing to operate brazenly on foreign soil. These acts are designed to destabilize and intimidate without triggering a full-scale military response.
The Digital Battlefield: Cyberattacks and Disinformation
Senior Editor: Minister Sikorski also pointed to Russia’s online activities, especially during the Brexit referendum. How notable is the digital battlefield in this hybrid warfare strategy?
Dr. Anna Kowalska: The digital battlefield is crucial. Russia has been conducting cyberattacks and spreading disinformation for years, aiming to undermine trust in democratic institutions. The Brexit referendum is a prime example, where Russian interference sought to amplify divisions within the UK. More recently,the cancellation of the first round of Romania’s presidential election after a pro-Russian candidate’s surprise victory highlights how social media campaigns can manipulate public opinion. These tactics are not just about influencing elections; they’re about eroding the very fabric of democracy.
The Armed Migrant Crisis: A Hybrid Operation
Senior Editor: Poland is currently dealing with what Sikorski described as a “hybrid operation” involving armed migrants on its eastern border. Can you explain how this fits into Russia’s broader strategy?
dr. Anna Kowalska: This is a classic example of hybrid warfare. By orchestrating the movement of armed migrants, russia and Belarus are creating a crisis that diverts resources and attention, while also sowing discord within the EU. The goal is to destabilize the region and test the resilience of European institutions. It’s a calculated move to exploit vulnerabilities and provoke a reaction that could be used to further Russia’s geopolitical aims.
Putin’s Strategy: Provocation and Manipulation
Senior Editor: Minister Sikorski suggested that Vladimir Putin is trying to provoke Europe and manipulate its institutions. What do you think is the ultimate goal behind these actions?
Dr. Anna Kowalska: Putin’s strategy is multifaceted. on one hand, he seeks to restore Russian influence over former Soviet territories. On the other, he aims to weaken the Western alliance by creating divisions and undermining trust in democratic processes. By provoking Europe, he hopes to force a reaction that could be used to justify further aggression. The ultimate goal is to reshape the geopolitical landscape in Russia’s favor, even if it means destabilizing entire regions.
Strengthening Europe’s Defenses
Senior Editor: Given these threats, what steps do you believe Europe must take to strengthen its defenses?
Dr. Anna Kowalska: Europe must take its defense seriously. This means investing in cybersecurity, enhancing intelligence-sharing among member states, and developing a unified response to hybrid threats. Minister Sikorski’s mantra, “Strength deterred, weakness encouraged,” is spot on. We need to project strength and unity to deter further aggression. Additionally,public awareness campaigns can help counter disinformation,and stronger border controls can mitigate the impact of hybrid operations like the armed migrant crisis.
The Urgency of Action
Senior Editor: Recent revelations, such as the planned terrorist attacks on airlines, underscore the urgency of this issue. How critical is it for Europe to act now?
Dr. Anna Kowalska: The stakes couldn’t be higher. The recent warnings from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about planned terrorist attacks highlight the immediacy of the threat. If Europe fails to act decisively, we risk further escalation and potentially catastrophic consequences. The time for action is now. Europe must unite, strengthen its defenses, and send a clear message that it will not be intimidated or divided by external forces.
