Asger Risom
Cyber sabotage targets public services as Moscow allegedly prepares operations against European infrastructure
Russia is ramping up hybrid attacks against the Netherlands and its European allies, according to a new report from the Dutch military intelligence service (MIVD).
The warning, issued Tuesday, outlines a growing threat landscape that includes cyber sabotage, espionage, and disinformation campaigns.
“We see that the Russian threat to Europe is increasing—even beyond the possible end of the war in Ukraine,” said MIVD Director Peter Reesink in the agency’s annual report, as quoted by Reuters and Digi24.
A First for Dutch Public Services
Reesink revealed that Russian hackers had recently targeted Dutch public services in what the MIVD described as the first confirmed act of Russian cyber sabotage against the sector.
Although the attack was thwarted, it marks a troubling escalation in tactics. Specific targets were not disclosed for security reasons.
Additionally, the report identifies a separate cyber operation aimed at critical infrastructure in the Netherlands, possibly as a precursor to future sabotage attempts.
The intelligence community views such actions as part of a broader Russian strategy to weaken Western societies through non-traditional warfare.
Infrastructure and Energy in the Crosshairs
The MIVD reiterated prior warnings that Russia is interested in sabotaging undersea internet cables and energy infrastructure, particularly in the North Sea region.
Such attacks could have serious consequences for communications and energy supply across Europe.
Western intelligence agencies have increasingly flagged hybrid threats from both Russia and China, noting that these now extend beyond cyber intrusions to include disinformation campaigns, psychological operations, and covert influence efforts.
The Dutch report calls for enhanced cybersecurity, intelligence-sharing, and vigilance among European nations as the hybrid threat environment intensifies.
As geopolitical tensions remain high, experts warn that defending against such multifaceted attacks will require coordinated, long-term strategies.