Russia started a series of sabotages at weapons factories in Europe
For sabotages, the Kremlin recruits members of local gang groups, who then hand out tasks to random recruits.
Photo: Contributor, Getty Images
Russia has started a new wave of attacks on European arms manufacturing plants, reports The Telegraph, citing sources in Western intelligence agencies.
For sabotages, the Kremlin recruits members of local gang groups and carefully plans attacks so that they do not cross the line that would trigger Article 5 of NATO on mutual defense, relates "European Pravda".
This week, Latvia detained three of its citizens on suspicion of arson at a drone manufacturing plant in neighboring Estonia. The building, owned by Milrem Robotics — a Tallinn-based firm that supplies weapons to Ukraine — was set on fire on the night of August 15.
At the time of the incident, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that investigators were determining whether it was an act of sabotage and whether Russia was involved.
The arson of the Milrem Robotics building fits into a broader pattern of suspected or confirmed acts of sabotage against arms supply chains for Ukraine in NATO countries.
According to Alliance officials, such actions by the Kremlin are aimed at escalating tensions among allies and deterring support for Kyiv.
Earlier this year, a fire virtually destroyed a Czech factory that produced drones and thermal imaging equipment for Ukraine. Four suspects were detained as part of an investigation into Russia's involvement.
Lithuania also brought charges against six people in connection with an attempt to set fire to a factory that supplies radio wave scanners to Kyiv.
On August 10, a powerful explosion rocked the EMCO company's factory — one of Bulgaria's largest private arms manufacturers, which produces 155mm artillery ammunition for Ukraine. The fire initially broke out in a truck parked near a warehouse.
Three days later, a similar explosion occurred at the KNDS Ammo Italy ammunition factory in Colleferro, on the outskirts of Rome. This time, the cause was reportedly a fire that broke out in the gunpowder processing area, the reason for which has not yet been determined.
The Kremlin recruits members of local criminal groups to carry out these sabotages. Officers of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation establish contact with informants within the groups, who act as intermediaries in the target country, using messengers such as Telegram.
These intermediaries distribute local tasks among recruits, who are paid in cryptocurrency and often do not even realize they are working for Russians.
The clandestine nature of the attacks, organized at the Kremlin's behest, is seen as a deliberate move aimed at sowing discord among NATO allies.