On February 9, 2025,ย Denmark’s Defense Intelligence Service warned that Russia’s hybrid warfare could result in escalation depending on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Russia has persisted against European countries since. On October 4, 2025, European Union (EU) members met, with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declaring that the hybrid war would continue to destabilize and divide countries.
Early warnings shine a light on emerging hybrid warfare
Russia’s tactics include misinformation, drone operations, sabotage, and cyberattacks. Initially, Denmark avoided contributing to the conversations regarding the Russia-Ukraine war; however, because Russia has continued with its hybrid warfare tactics, Denmark and other European markets have publicly issued concerns.
“There is only on country…willing to threaten us, and it is Russia, and therefore, we need a very strong answer back” – Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
Russia’s hybrid war tactics are now being viewed as a threat to the political, security, economic, and social relations within the European Union (EU). The joint response from European countries is important, as experts have stressed that Russia’s goal is to divide the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to weaken the allies’ defense.
Drone swarms and airspace breaches highlight Europe’s vulnerabilities
Copenhagen Airport’s main runway was closed for about four hours on September 22, 2025. This was after the country had detected a drone swarm. Later in September, 2025, Munich Airport went on to ground flights, also after drone sightings. Denmark has been reporting drones flying over its major military base and, as previously noted, its airports. Other reports include:
- Belgium shared intelligence regarding drone sightings above a military base near the Belgium-Germany border.
- Norway has detained the Chinese nationals for flying drones near Bardufoss military air base.
- Between September and October, 2025, a minimum of ten other nations have reported probing and incursions.
- Estonia’s airspace was breached by three of Russia’s MiG-31 jets, activating NATO Article 4. NATO took action by coordinating Italian F-35 jets for the interception of the three Russian aircraft that entered Estonia’s airspace.
- On September 10, 2025, Poland’s airspace was breached with Russian drones
Russia’s aim to weaken and damage any civilian confidence in the governments and military security systems of European nations have led those countries to call and emphasize the need for a collective effort in strengthening the monitoring of European airspace. The EU has taken action by initiating discussions and plans to build a “drone wall” along the eastern flank of the region, including markets that are in close proximity to or sharing a border with Russia and Ukraine. The 2,250 km project was proposed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and expressed the extreme urgency of such a plan.
A collective response to Russia’s unsanctioned campaigns
Individually, European countries are attempting to participate in the effort to curb the effect of Russia’s hybrid warfare tactic aimed at threatening European societies, specifically to undermine civilian trust in their respective countries’ governments. Undersea cable sabotage, cyberattacks, GPS jamming, and arson are additional hybrid warfare tactics being used by Russia. Some action taken by European countries include:
- A suspected Russian “shadow” tanker tied to drone launches was seized by Franch commandos.
- The cargo ship, named Scanlark, was raided by Germany’s special forces. Evidence of drone operations were found on the ship.
- A suspected GRU spy has been arrested by Polish authorities and accused of burying explosives in Warsaw.
- An ICCT/Gobsec study has confirmed that there have been over 600 Russia operatives expelled since 2018, with 131 suspects arrested.
Coodinationย and collaboration between, and within, NATO and the EU are essential in the mission to curb Russia’s hybrid warfare. Timely and decisive responses from impacted countries are difficult. The European countries have now decided to share intelligence with one another, which could be vital in preventing the further escalation of Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics. Europe’s ability to defend itself will be tested in the coming months.