European nations are on high alert as a “hybrid war” unfolds across the continent, marked by drone incursions, cyber attacks, and sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has sounded the alarm, emphasizing the escalating nature of these attacks and the need for vigilance.
Denmark, a Scandinavian nation with a population of 5.9 million, has been particularly targeted due to its strategic location guarding the Baltic Sea. Incidents such as the shutdown of airports due to drone activity, seizure of a Russian cargo ship, and arrests of Chinese nationals operating UAVs near a NATO base have raised concerns.
Moreover, Belarus is accused of orchestrating a campaign of ‘weaponized’ migration, forcing thousands of migrants into EU borders. Leaders across Europe acknowledge the reality of being engaged in hybrid warfare, involving sabotage incidents, misinformation, cyber attacks, and the weaponization of illegal immigration.
As the attacks become more sophisticated, with undersea cables being cut and cyber offensives disrupting essential services, European leaders are intensifying defenses and supporting Ukraine against Moscow. Incidents like the recent drone swarm over Copenhagen Airport highlight the growing threat within European borders.
Multiple European nations have reported airspace probes by Russia, with such incidents becoming a daily occurrence. Analysts warn of the destructive impact of shadow warfare, where the perpetrators remain hidden, causing disruption and damaging trust in government.
In response, Frederiksen has called for European unity, urging everyone to grasp the gravity of the situation and resist attempts to divide them through drone and cyber attacks. The need for collective awareness and preparedness is crucial in the face of these evolving hybrid threats.