A new study conducted by GLOBSEC and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) highlights a significant rise in Russian sabotage and influence operations across Europe, correlating with the ongoing conflict following Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The research indicates that there have been at least 110 reported incidents tied to Russia since the invasion, with an additional 41 incidents recorded in the five months leading to February this year, showcasing an alarming trend in destabilizing activities in the region.

Poland has emerged as the most affected country, witnessing 31 documented sabotage cases, followed closely by France with 20 such incidents. Lithuania and Germany also reported 15 cases each, illustrating that the risks are widespread across multiple European nations. The types of sabotage incidents range from online propaganda and incitement of ethnic hatred to physical assaults involving arson, assassinations, and bombings, suggesting a multifaceted approach to sabotage that targets both societal cohesion and public safety.

The report further reveals that 95% of the 172 individuals involved in these incidents are ordinary citizens, lacking any evident links to organized terrorism or sabotage networks. This finding highlights the insidious nature of such operations, as they often co-opt unsuspecting individuals into acts of aggression or hostilities fueled by misinformation and fear, presenting a complex challenge for European security authorities striving to counter these threats effectively.