Denmark's Defence Intelligence Service has warned that Russia could intensify its hybrid warfare campaign against Western nations and may be prepared to carry out a limited military attack on one or more NATO member states sharing a border with Russia. The assessment, reported by Danish intelligence officials, indicates a "low but growing risk" of such an attack.
Growing risk of Russian aggression
The intelligence service said Russia is expected to step up hostile activities against Western nations and NATO, carrying out attacks more frequently and with potentially greater impact on affected countries than previously seen. The agency warned that any future operations could have more serious consequences for targeted states as tensions between Moscow and the West continue to rise.
In its statement, the agency said: "A limited military attack would be a desperate move on Russia's part and, like the intensified hybrid attacks, could potentially take place in the coming months."
Possible forms of escalation
Thomas Ahrenkiel, Denmark's intelligence chief, said any escalation could take several forms, including targeted strikes using long-range missiles or drones against infrastructure supporting Ukraine. He also warned that Russia might send a limited number of troops into a border region of a NATO member state, potentially justifying such a move as an effort to protect Russian-speaking minorities.
Separately, the Danish Resilience Agency has cautioned that Denmark could face an increased threat of Russian cyberattacks, prompting the agency to raise its threat assessment level amid growing security concerns.
NATO's response
The warning comes as NATO's top military commander said the United States would continue to provide vital support to the alliance, although Europe is expected to take on a greater share of responsibility for the continent's defence. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said a series of recent security incidents had raised concern. He said the incidents underscored the increasingly tense security environment facing NATO and highlighted the importance of maintaining strong collective defences across Europe.
