Russia is attempting to carry out acts of sabotage at arms factories in NATO countries, - media
According to Western intelligence reports, Russia has launched a new wave of sabotage operations against European companies that manufacture weapons.
According to Censor.NET, The Telegraph reports this, citing sources within Western intelligence services.
The Kremlin is trying to act discreetly
According to sources, Russia is organising a series of sabotage operations at defence industry facilities in Europe, using tactics that allow it to avoid direct links to the Kremlin.
According to intelligence reports, the Russian side is recruiting members of local criminal gangs to carry out attacks. The operations are planned in such a way that they do not reach a level that could trigger the application of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty on mutual defence.
This week, Latvia arrested three of its citizens on suspicion of setting fire to a drone manufacturing plant in neighbouring Estonia.
The building housing Milrem Robotics in Tallinn, a company that supplies weapons to Ukraine, was set on fire on the night of 15 August.
Arson attacks on factories are being investigated for links to Russia
Following the incident, the Estonian Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, stated that investigators were looking into whether the arson was an act of sabotage and whether Russia might have been involved.
The arson attack on the Milrem Robotics building is being viewed in the context of a wider series of suspected or confirmed acts of sabotage targeting the supply chains for arms destined for Ukraine in NATO countries.
According to Alliance officials, such actions by Russia are aimed at heightening tensions amongst the allies and at attempting to curb further support for Ukraine.
It was previously reported that Russia may use the major 2027 election cycle to interfere in the internal affairs of European countries and spread disinformation.
