Denmark warns Russia could intensify hybrid attacks against the West

Copenhagen, Denmark. Russia is likely to intensify its hybrid campaign against the West in the coming months, Denmark’s defence intelligence service said in a threat assessment released on Thursday. It also warned of a low but growing risk of a limited military attack on one or more Nato countries bordering Russia.

Assessment of the threat

The service said it expected more frequent Russian attacks against the West and Nato, with greater consequences for targeted countries than in the past.

“A limited military attack would be a desperate move on Russia’s part and, like the intensified hybrid attacks, could potentially take place in the coming months,” it said.

At a press conference, intelligence service chief Thomas Ahrenkiel said possible actions included isolated drone or missile strikes on infrastructure supporting Ukraine, or false-flag operations using Ukrainian-made drones. Russia could also send a limited number of troops into a Nato border area, potentially claiming to protect Russian minorities, he said.

“The aim is not to take over the country, but to divide Nato,” Ahrenkiel said.

European concerns and Russia’s response

Hybrid warfare and sabotage on European soil have drawn renewed attention after Germany recently blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. European Union members subsequently called for new sanctions against Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in hybrid warfare or sabotage in Nato countries, as well as any plans for a confrontation. The Russian embassy in Denmark did not immediately respond to a request for comment.