Putin Directly Ordered a Stepped-Up Sabotage Campaign Against NATO Countries This Year: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin directly ordered a new wave of sabotage attacks in Europe, according to a new report.

The failed attack at Germany's Leipzig-Halle Airport earlier this year, where a large cargo plane was targeted by drones, was the first of the campaign.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that the operation was the first of several such attacks planned in different NATO countries, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Ever since, the outlet recalled, different countries have seen similar episodes, including arson attacks against drone manufacturers in Estonia and Poland, and sabotage on Starlink stations.

Russia has repeatedly rejected being behind the incidents, but NATO countries continue pointing at Moscow. Germany said the failed attack "fits the established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe" and took diplomatic measures against the country. Officials also said they expect more attacks of the kind.

Elsewhere, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service released a report in September noting that Russia has "intensified its use of sabotage, destructive cyber attacks and is attacking targets in Europe with drones," concluding that "hybrid war is escalating."

It went on to recall a foiled drone attack in Germany, which Berlin openly blamed on Moscow, noting that it has "become more willing to take risks." And warned of potential "sabotage on Danish soil against defence companies."

The document also noted that Russia is "under more pressure than it has been at any other point during the war against Ukraine," sustaining heavy losses on the battlefield and with the economy "on the brink of a major crisis."

The document then notes that Russia has no prospect of "achieving any major breakthroughs in the war against Ukraine over the next six months," and it's unlikely that President Vladimir Putin will "be willing to compromise on his fundamental objectives of war."

In this context, France recently tested an updated nuclear-capable missile. The exercise involved a submarine-launched ballistic missile capable to carrying a nuclear head, Paris' defense ministry said. It was not equipped with a nuclear warhead.

While the publication doesn't mention Russia specifically, the exercise took place shortly after Moscow warned NATO that it is ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance seeks to cut off Kaliningrad, an enclave bordering the Baltic Sea.

A document accuses the alliance of going through a "dangerous and reckless course" that puts the sides at "high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict," according to Reuters. It also threats with "Russian strikes against decision-making centers in the alliance's member states right from the outset".

"Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory should NATO countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad Region from the ​rest of the country," the document added.