Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation have leaders throughout Europe concerned.
German prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian national as a suspect in an alleged Russian-linked parcel-bomb sabotage plot, authorities said on Monday.
Prosecutors say Yevhen B. recruited two accomplices to send parcels from Cologne toward territory in Ukraine not occupied by Russia. The parcels contained tracking devices and incendiary materials intended to ignite in Germany or en route. The alleged plot was thwarted before any explosions occurred.
Yevhen B. was arrested in Switzerland last May and was extradited to Germany in December.
The fresh indictment adds to mounting European concern over alleged Russian hybrid operations — including sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation — since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Reported Russia-linked arson and serious sabotage incidents across Europe rose to 34 in 2024, up from 12 the previous year and just two in 2022, according to earlier investigations.
The Russian Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Moscow has previously denied involvement in similar incidents. Russia often recruits Ukrainians for espionage-related activities.
Norway’s security services said on Feb. 6 that they expect Russian intelligence activity to intensify in 2026. Likely targets include military sites, allied exercises and support for Ukraine.
NATO and EU officials are set to debate transatlantic defense cooperation and Russia’s influence at the Munich Security Conference that starts on Friday.