Dutch Intel: Russia Escalates Hybrid Attacks in Europe

Dutch military intelligence reports a significant escalation in Russian hybrid attacks against the Netherlands and European allies, including the first known and thwarted Russian cyberattack on a Dutch public facility's digital control system. The MIVD links this surge in attacks to the Netherlands' support for Ukraine and warns that these hybrid threats—including mapping North Sea infrastructure for potential sabotage—are likely to persist even after the Ukraine conflict ends. The report highlights that the campaign involves cyber sabotage, espionage, disinformation, and physical threats to critical infrastructure. Dutch intelligence also expresses concern about growing Chinese backing for Moscow and China's independent cyber espionage efforts. Western intelligence officials, including those from the UK, have echoed worries about Russia's increasingly reckless tactics across Europe. Moscow continues to deny any involvement in these incidents.