Story perspectives

Russia's Shadow War: Sabotage and Arson Across Europe

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Western security officials report that Russia's intelligence services are engaged in a shadow war involving arson attacks and sabotage across Europe.
Aleksei Vladimirovich Kolosovsky, a former taxi driver with ties to criminal groups, has helped plan attacks in Poland, Lithuania, Britain, and Germany with Russian intelligence, particularly the G.R.U.
The operations mark a shift in Russia's tactics from minor vandalism to serious acts of violence aimed at undermining Western unity.

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Story summary

Western security officials report that Russia's intelligence services are engaged in a shadow war involving arson attacks and sabotage across Europe.
Aleksei Vladimirovich Kolosovsky, a former taxi driver with ties to criminal groups, has helped plan attacks in Poland, Lithuania, Britain, and Germany with Russian intelligence, particularly the G.R.U.
The operations mark a shift in Russia's tactics from minor vandalism to serious acts of violence aimed at undermining Western unity.