According to a report released by the International Center for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), Russia has been actively involved in over 151 hostile hybrid warfare operations across Europe since the onset of its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This figure reflects only those operations for which there is substantial evidence or completed investigations that clearly attribute responsibility to Moscow. The findings suggest that the actual number of these incidents could be significantly higher due to delays in investigations and the challenges encountered while gathering evidence. As the report notes, the nature of these operations often leads to a slow accumulation of cases before they are fully vetted and included in official counts.

The report particularly highlights the activities reported by German security agencies, which have documented approximately 320 suspected sabotage attempts within their borders in 2025 alone. A significant number of these incidents include frequent sightings of unidentified drones near critical infrastructures such as airports and military installations. However, determining accountability for these encounters remains challenging, preventing comprehensive attribution of responsibility. The widespread nature of these drone incursions also indicates a broad strategic approach to hybrid warfare employed by Russia, as similar incidents have been noted in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark.

This situation underscores the escalating concerns within Europe regarding national security and the need for enhanced counter-terrorism measures. As tensions continue to rise in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, the findings of this report can be seen as a call to action for European governments to bolster their defensive and investigative capabilities against hybrid warfare tactics. The implications extend beyond immediate security concerns to encompass political and diplomatic relations within Europe and with external partners, potentially shaping future strategies in counteracting Russian aggression and influence on the continent.