CNN: Mistake Could Be Fatal For Putin

The Kremlin could trigger an excessive or unpredictable Western response.

In recent weeks, Europe has faced a number of incidents ranging from airport disruptions to cyberattacks and airspace provocations. And while direct evidence of Russian involvement is scarce, most experts believe that Moscow is behind the "invisible front" and aggression without firing a single shot, writes CNN.

As Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted, "hybrid attacks are becoming a new reality for Europe." And such Russian activity is gaining momentum. In recent weeks, part of Russia's hybrid warfare against NATO countries has included:

more than 20 drones allegedly sent to Poland;

a 12-minute violation of Estonian airspace;

hacking attacks on airports and infrastructure in several countries;

a Russian military vessel with its transponders turned off near Denmark.

None of these cases has an officially confirmed culprit. Such uncertainty is part of the strategy: to sow doubt and mistrust, to make citizens feel defenseless.

European Response

Denmark, which actively supports Ukraine, is stepping up its defenses: it is giving Kiev F-16s, helping with drone production and preparing new missile defense systems. Britain and Poland have already documented cases of Russian sabotage attacks, from burning warehouses to recruiting criminals for sabotage.

Defenses against cheap drones are proving extremely expensive. For example, to shoot down a $30,000 Shahed drone, an F-35 fighter jet can use a missile worth tens of thousands of euros. This creates a dilemma: spend millions every month on defense or risk security.

Risks for Putin

As the publication writes, hybrid tactics can get out of control: saboteurs are capable of making fatal mistakes that will result in civilian deaths in NATO countries. This could trigger an excessive or unpredictable Western response.

"But for now, these hybrid attacks - intentionally or by coincidence - are imposing on ordinary Europeans a sense of the price they must pay for their governments' continued support for Ukraine," the publication writes.

In the fourth year of the war, Putin has succeeded in imposing on Europe a sense of a frontline without direct fighting. Flight delays, price hikes and cyberattacks are small things compared to the Ukrainian casualties, but they are becoming a new test for European societies and governments, CNN summarized.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com