WSJ: The Kremlin Is Stepping Up Sabotage In Europe In An Attempt To Cover Up Its Failures In Ukraine
- 30.08.2026, 13:59
NATO officials have identified Moscow's main objectives.
Russia is stepping up its sabotage activities in Europe, seeking to put additional pressure on Ukraine’s allies and heighten their sense of alarm. At the same time, Moscow is trying to divert attention from the problems of the Russian military to Ukrainian strikes on targets deep within Russia.
According to The Wall Street Journal, NATO officials view the increasingly frequent attacks as a warning sign. In their view, the Kremlin is seeking to reduce the amount of European aid to Ukraine and exacerbate divisions among Alliance member states.
Western officials warn that Russia is capable of further escalating the level of confrontation. Furthermore, according to their information, the Russian side may have obtained Ukrainian drones that could potentially be used for provocations on the territory of NATO member states.
Amid growing concerns in Washington, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unexpected visit to Moscow on Tuesday. According to informed sources, one of the purposes of the trip was to convey to Vladimir Putin the U.S. position on supporting its NATO allies.
“Russia is looking for ways to reduce NATO countries’ support for Ukraine, and one of the side effects it is also seeking is to spread panic,” said Lithuanian Civil Intelligence Director Remigijus Bridikis.
Russian activity in Europe is intensifying
In recent weeks, Russian drones have repeatedly violated the airspace of NATO countries. At the same time, the Netherlands has warned of an increase in Russian cyberespionage activities.
According to Dutch intelligence services, Russian government agencies are systematically conducting digital surveillance, including gaining access to internet-connected cameras to track the routes and volumes of aid to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian “Sagaidachny” Security Center has also recorded an increase in the number of incidents linked to Russia. While only about ten such cases were documented throughout all of 2024, the number has risen to approximately 15 per month since April.
According to the WSJ, the increase in Russian activity is occurring as the war in Ukraine enters a more intense and deadly phase. Ukrainian forces are increasingly striking targets at a considerable distance from the front lines, including oil and gas infrastructure and facilities critical to the Russian military economy.
“Regardless of whether Putin is behind all this chaos or not, it could play into Moscow’s hands by boosting its reputation as an influential power,” the publication notes.
How Moscow Could Benefit from Sabotage
According to the authors of the article, the Russian campaign could fuel growing anxiety among Europeans. In particular, residents of NATO countries may feel that their governments’ policies toward Ukraine increase personal risks.
Another factor is the state of European arms stockpiles. Moscow may attempt to create the impression that transferring weapons to Ukraine weakens the national arsenals of European states, whereas these resources might be needed by the states themselves in the event of a direct confrontation with Russia.
If the Kremlin succeeds in convincing the European public that Russia poses an immediate threat, arguments against further arms deliveries to Ukraine may gain more support.
Furthermore, subversive activities could exacerbate internal political divisions in European countries ahead of local and national elections. Among NATO countries where major elections are expected in the near future, the WSJ lists Germany, France, Finland, Estonia, and Poland.
However, there is currently little convincing evidence that Russia’s strategy is actually yielding the desired results for Moscow. Moreover, it is precisely the Eastern European NATO countries that continue to demonstrate the strongest support for further military aid to Ukraine and advocate for increasing their own defense spending.