Denmark’s Prime Minister Warns of Russia’s Hybrid War Tactics Targeting Europe

Europe on High Alert: Leaders Demand Reinforcements Amidst Rising Russian Hybrid Threats

October 1, 2025

Copenhagen played host to an emergency summit of European leaders on wednesday, convened to grapple with a surge in perceived opposed acts attributed to Russia. The discussions centered on fortifying European defenses against what officials are increasingly characterizing as a multifaceted, or ‘hybrid,’ war.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning, highlighting a pattern of destabilizing incidents. “It is indeed crucial that everyone acknowledge the reality of this hybrid conflict,” Frederiksen stated. “We’ve observed disruptive events in Poland, Denmark, and anticipate further attempts at sabotage and incursions, manifesting as drone activity in other locations.”

Growing Concerns over Hybrid Warfare Tactics

Hybrid warfare, a strategy employing both conventional and unconventional methods, presents a complex security challenge. This includes the use of not only military force but also cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion. According to a recent report by the European Union Institute for Security Studies, Hybrid threats have increased by 300% in the last decade.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Frederiksen’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for caution alongside strength. “We must deter any potential aggression, but equally, we must avoid any actions that could lead to escalation,” Macron cautioned. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocated for a measured response,stressing the importance of preparedness without succumbing to provocation.

Recent Incidents Fuel Alarm

The urgency of the situation stems from a series of recent events, including multiple drone sightings near Danish airports and military facilities. Last week, Copenhagen Airport temporarily suspended operations due to the presence of unidentified drones, causing significant travel disruptions. In response, authorities swiftly deployed a specialized radar system to monitor the airspace.

Several nations, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, proactively dispatched aircraft, naval vessels, and air defense systems to Denmark in a show of solidarity and bolstered security.

Accusations and Strategic Ambiguity

While Danish authorities have yet to formally identify the entities responsible for the drone incursions, Prime minister Frederiksen directly pointed the finger at Russia. She asserted, “Russia is the only nation demonstrably inclined to threaten us, necessitating a robust response.”

Macron did not dismiss the possibility of a forceful response, even suggesting that downing a Russian aircraft breaching European airspace wasn’t off the table. He framed this as adhering to a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” leaving room for adaptability in responding to future provocations.

Escalating Tensions and Shadow Fleets

Poland and Romania recently reported that they shot down drones suspected of being Russian, coinciding with intensified attacks against Ukraine. Macron also highlighted concerning activity involving an oil tanker operating near the French coastline, linking it to russia’s “shadow fleet” – vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of ukraine.

European Defense capabilities: A Comparative Glance

Country	Defense Spending (2023, % of GDP)	military personnel (Active)
Germany	1.57%	183,000
France	1.92%	206,000
United Kingdom	2.22%	148,000
Italy	1.48%	165,000
denmark	1.84%	23,000

Source: Statista (2024)

Leaders acknowledge that Russia’s intentions remain unclear but believe President Vladimir Putin is actively testing the resolve of NATO,particularly given uncertainties surrounding the United states’ commitment under a potential future governance.

Understanding Hybrid Warfare in the 21st Century

the concept of hybrid warfare isn’t new, but its modern iteration, leveraging technological advancements and interconnected global systems, demands a reassessment of traditional defense strategies. It’s a strategic approach that blends conventional military tactics with non-kinetic tools, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and achieve strategic objectives below the threshold of traditional armed conflict. The use of disinformation, for example, can erode public trust and destabilize societies, creating an surroundings conducive to external influence.

Did You Know? Cyberattacks have become a cornerstone of modern hybrid warfare, often preceding or accompanying physical incursions. In 2022, a study by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported a 65% increase in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about current events, critically evaluating information sources, and supporting initiatives promoting media literacy are essential steps in countering the effects of disinformation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Russia and European Security

1. What is Russia’s primary objective in conducting hybrid warfare? Russia aims to destabilize European nations, undermine NATO’s cohesion, and advance its geopolitical interests without triggering a large-scale military confrontation.
2. How does disinformation fit into Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy? disinformation is used to sow discord, manipulate public opinion, and erode trust in democratic institutions, weakening the target country’s resistance.
3. What steps are European nations taking to counter hybrid threats? Measures include increased intelligence gathering, enhanced cybersecurity defenses, investment in military capabilities, and collaborative efforts to counter disinformation.
4. Is NATO prepared to respond to a Russian attack on a member state? NATO has reaffirmed its commitment to collective defense, enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, but the specific response would depend on the nature and scale of the attack.
5. what role do drones play in modern hybrid warfare? Drones are used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and perhaps for attacks, offering a relatively inexpensive and deniable means of probing defenses and causing disruption.
6. How significant is the threat from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’? Russia’s shadow fleet is used to circumvent Western sanctions, allowing it to continue trading in oil and other commodities, providing crucial revenue to fund its war effort in Ukraine.
7. What is ‘strategic ambiguity’ in the context of European defense? Strategic ambiguity involves deliberately maintaining uncertainty about how a nation will respond to a specific provocation, aiming to deter potential aggressors while avoiding a commitment that could escalate tensions.

What are your views about escalating tensions in Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

what are the potential consequences of russia successfully exploiting societal divisions through disinformation campaigns in European countries?

Escalating Tensions & The Nature of Hybrid Warfare

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has issued a stark warning regarding Russia’s increasingly elegant and multifaceted hybrid warfare tactics aimed at destabilizing Europe. This isn’t a conventional military build-up,but a calculated campaign leveraging disinformation,cyberattacks,economic pressure,and the exploitation of societal vulnerabilities. The warning, delivered in a recent address to the folketing, underscores a growing concern shared by several European nations. Understanding Russian hybrid warfare is now critical for national security across the continent.

Key Tactics Employed by russia

Frederiksen detailed several key areas where Russia is actively employing hybrid tactics:

* Disinformation Campaigns: The spread of false or misleading data through social media, state-sponsored media outlets, and covert online operations. These campaigns aim to sow discord, erode trust in democratic institutions, and influence public opinion. Russian disinformation often targets vulnerable groups and exploits existing societal divisions.

* Cyberattacks: Targeting critical infrastructure – energy grids, financial institutions, healthcare systems – with ransomware and disruptive malware. These attacks aren’t necessarily aimed at causing physical damage,but at creating chaos and undermining public confidence. Recent attacks on Baltic states have demonstrated this capability.

* Economic Coercion: Utilizing energy supplies (like natural gas) as a political weapon, manipulating markets, and engaging in predatory lending practices to exert economic pressure on European countries.The Nord Stream pipeline situation serves as a prime example of this tactic.

* Political Interference: Supporting extremist political parties and movements that align with Russian interests, funding disinformation campaigns, and attempting to influence elections.

* Exploitation of Migration: Deliberately orchestrating or exacerbating migration flows to create social and political tensions within European nations. This includes spreading false narratives about refugees and asylum seekers.

Denmark’s Specific Vulnerabilities

Denmark, due to its strategic location in the Baltic sea region and its strong support for Ukraine, is considered a notably vulnerable target.

* Critical Infrastructure: Denmark’s energy infrastructure,including offshore wind farms and gas pipelines,are potential targets for cyberattacks and sabotage.

* Digital Infrastructure: The country’s highly digitized society makes it susceptible to large-scale cyberattacks and data breaches.

* Geopolitical Position: Denmark’s role in NATO and its proximity to Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast make it a key strategic location.

* Public Opinion: The spread of pro-Russian narratives and disinformation could potentially erode public support for sanctions against Russia and military aid to Ukraine.

european Response & Countermeasures

Several European nations are actively working to counter Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics. These efforts include:

1. Strengthening Cybersecurity: Investing in robust cybersecurity defenses, improving incident response capabilities, and sharing threat intelligence. The EU’s Cybersecurity Strategy is a key component of this effort.
2. Combating Disinformation: Fact-checking initiatives, media literacy programs, and efforts to counter the spread of false information online. The EU’s Code of Practice on Disinformation is a voluntary framework for platforms to address this issue.
3. Diversifying Energy Sources: Reducing reliance on Russian energy supplies by diversifying energy sources and investing in renewable energy.
4. Sanctions & diplomatic Pressure: Maintaining and strengthening sanctions against Russia and continuing to exert diplomatic pressure.
5. Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Improving intelligence sharing between European countries to better understand and anticipate Russian hybrid threats.
6. Resilience Building: Strengthening societal resilience by promoting social cohesion, addressing inequalities, and fostering critical thinking skills.

The Role of NATO & International Cooperation

NATO plays a crucial role in coordinating the European response to russian hybrid warfare. The alliance is strengthening its cyber defenses, conducting joint exercises, and enhancing intelligence sharing. International cooperation with partners like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom is also essential. NATO’s collective defense principle (Article 5) serves as a deterrent against overt aggression,but addressing hybrid threats requires a more nuanced and collaborative approach.

Case Study: The 2022 Cyberattacks on Denmark

In 2022,Denmark experienced a series of cyberattacks targeting government websites and critical infrastructure. While attribution remains complex, security experts believe these attacks were likely linked to Russian state-sponsored actors. These attacks served as a wake-up call, highlighting Denmark’s vulnerability to cyber warfare and prompting increased investment in cybersecurity defenses. The attacks targeted several key areas, including:

* Defense Ministry Website: A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack temporarily disrupted access to the Defense Ministry’s website.

* Energy Sector: Attempts were made to infiltrate the networks of several energy companies.

* Critical Infrastructure: Several municipalities reported attempted cyber intrusions into their IT systems.

Practical Tips for Citizens & businesses

Individuals and businesses can also play a role in countering Russian hybrid warfare tactics:

* Be Critical of Information: Verify information before sharing it online. Be wary of sensational headlines and unverified sources.

* Report Disinformation: Report suspected disinformation to social media platforms and fact-checking organizations.

* Strengthen Cybersecurity: Implement strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep software up to date.

* Be Aware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails and links.

* Support Self-reliant Journalism: