Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to put pressure not only on Ukraine but also on European countries through hybrid warfare. Russian provocations are taking shape on multiple fronts: reconnaissance drones over the Baltic, the construction of military bases on the Finnish border, the setup of field hospitals, and apparent blood bank preparations near the borders. These actions signal possible scenarios for military intervention.
One potential target is Narva in Estonia, with a significant Russian-speaking population, reminiscent of Crimea's "little green men" tactics. The Baltic Sea sees disruptions, such as cable sabotage, provocations on islands, and systemic GPS jamming. Explosions have occurred in logistics centers in Lithuania and Latvia—Western intelligence reports hundreds of such incidents in recent years.
Russia is actively conducting information warfare and influencing political processes via propaganda in social networks and international media. NATO military experts acknowledge an ongoing stage of hybrid confrontation, warning that the threat of a direct attack will rise after the end of the Ukraine war.
Other notable cases include a 250-kg aviation bomb found near the Russian border in Estonia and drone sightings over a US nuclear weapons base in Belgium. In response, European countries are raising their defense budgets and army sizes: Germany has lifted military spending limits, while the Czech Republic and others follow suit. As some US forces withdraw, European militaries fill the gap.
Despite peace efforts, Moscow is unlikely to abandon its imperial ambitions. Hybrid operations are expected to continue, with Europe preparing for new challenges as confrontation with Russia could escalate at any time.
