The Russian GRU carries out sabotage in European countries in order to disrupt arms supplies to Ukraine and intimidate the Europeans.
US and Western intelligence allies are tracking an increase in sabotage operations in Europe, part of a Russian campaign to undermine support for Ukraine's military efforts.
The New York Times writes about this.
Russian operations may include, in particular, the arson of a warehouse in England, a paint factory in Poland, and residential buildings in Latvia, as well as an Ikea store in Lithuania.
In addition, people accused of being Russian agents were arrested on charges of plotting attacks on US military bases.
While the moves may appear random, U.S. and European security officials say they are part of a concerted effort by Russia to slow arms sales to Kyiv and create the appearance of growing European opposition to supporting Ukraine. And officials say the campaign is being led by Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU.
The attacks, at least for now, have not stopped the flow of weapons into Ukraine. But some Western intelligence officials, speaking to reporters, suggest that Russia is trying to sow fear and pressure European countries to tighten security throughout the arms supply chain, adding costs and slowing the pace of transfers.
US and European intelligence officials said Russia handles such operations with caution. The Kremlin wants to draw attention to the mysterious fires, but not enough to risk direct accusations.
Russia’s strategy is “divide and conquer,” said Kendall-Taylor, now a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. “Right now it's not a very expensive strategy for Russia because we all respond individually. That's why it's important that over time we collectivize the response.”
“They (the Russians. – Ed.) want to move the war to Europe, but they don't want a war with NATO. So they do everything that is less than conventional attacks,” added Kendall-Taylor.
One of the first recent acts of sabotage attributed to Russia was a fire in March at a warehouse in London, which likely contained weapons that were to be sent to Ukraine.
According to the publication, GRU operatives used a Russian diplomatic building in Sussex, England, to recruit local residents to commit arson. Four Britons have been charged with arson, and one of them has been charged with assisting foreign intelligence.
Britain responded by expelling a Russian intelligence officer and closing several Russian diplomatic installations, including the GRU operations center in Sussex.
Previously, the Financial Times reported that Russia is planning sabotage actions throughout the European continent.
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