Denmark is warning that Russia is intensifying hybrid warfare—a mix of cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, and other pressure campaigns aimed at Western democracies. The assessment, delivered at a press briefing by Denmarks intelligence chief and the defense minister, underscores a durable approach that avoids a full-scale invasion while pursuing destabilization.
What authorities say
During the briefing, the intelligence chief said: “We know that Russia is behind a number of sabotage acts, including cyberattacks, against Western nations.” He added that the overall assessment is that Russia has deliberately dispatched a large number of drones to Poland to test our responses, and that Moscow could intervene if Western efforts blocked a shadow fleet trying to push through.
The shadow fleet and a warship off Langeland
The briefing referenced a Russian warship reported south of Langeland that could be tasked with ensuring the movement of such assets. The scenario illustrates a plausible hybrid maneuver: pressure and escalation without a formal declaration of war.
Hybrid warfare in the gray zone
Experts describe this approach as a “gray zone” war, where aggressors use intermediariesoften presenting as activists, criminals, or other actors to blur responsibility and create plausible deniability. The intelligence chief stressed that Moscows objective is to create a perception of imminent threat, sowing fear and eroding public trust in Western governance.
Implications for Denmark, Europe, and NATO
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen warned that Russias hybrid threat is likely to intensify in the coming years. He said Denmark must respond with a broad package of actions at home, in Europe, and within NATO, anchored by a strong, unified front that is “stronger than ever.” He stressed that the alliance must clearly signal opposition to aggressive behavior from Russia and the combined threat it poses.
Steps ahead: deterrence, resilience, and unity
To deter hybrid attacks and bolster resilience, Denmark is pursuing a massive upscaling of defense and defense-related capabilities. The minister noted that the effort isnt over: “we are fighting for Western values, for freedom and democracy.” The plan involves upgrading civil defenses, cyber protections, and alliance-based exercises, as well as sustained political unity across member states.
Conclusion
While the Danish intelligence chief cautions that a full-scale invasion remains unlikely, the message is clear: the era of hybrid warfare continues, and Western nations must stay vigilant, coordinated, and prepared to respond decisively.
