Russia launched sabotage operations against Danish companies supplying Ukraine, believing that earlier disruption efforts did not sufficiently deter Western military support, a Danish intelligence official reported on Wednesday. This marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s hybrid warfare campaign, according to the official from the Danish national security and intelligence service (PET).
The official noted that planning was extensive in the spring, but activity increased in early summer. Russia has understood that its previous tactics did not dissuade NATO from supporting Ukraine, leading it to target sites impacting the front line, especially related to weapons production.
The Russian embassy in Copenhagen denied the allegations. The official cited a Russian defence ministry list of potential military targets, including European drone manufacturers, but provided no further details.
Additionally, Russia is utilising untrained proxies—such as homeless individuals and those with addiction issues—who are recruited via social media. These recruits often start with low-risk tasks before escalating to sabotage operations.
Last month, Denmark’s defence intelligence service warned that Russia is likely to intensify hybrid attacks against the West. This follows an attempted drone attack in Germany attributed to Russia and a disruption of air traffic at six Danish airports in September 2025, which Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labelled a hybrid attack.
