Story perspectives

PET warns Russian recruitment targets Danish defence sabotage plans

9/4/2026

Center

Russian Intelligence Recruiting

Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service (PET) reported that Russian intelligence is recruiting Danish citizens to plan sabotage of Danish defence companies recently.
Moscow denied any involvement in hybrid warfare or sabotage activities, rejecting PET's allegations as PET warned of potential attacks.
PET said recruitment occurs on social-media and gaming platforms, targeting defence firms.
EU ministers discussed sanctions after a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Left

Russian Spies Recruit

The Intelligence Service (PET) announced on Sept. 3 that Russian intelligence is recruiting Danish citizens to plan sabotage of Danish defence companies.
Officials warned the defence sector is vulnerable because many firms supply weapons to Ukraine, urging stronger protective measures.
PET chief Emil Gresholm said Russian agents target Danish firms that support Ukraine’s military effort.
Green expert Konstantin von Notz warned Berlin against a weak response to Russian hybrid attacks.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, Russia’s annexation of Crimea sparked a wave of covert sabotage campaigns against neighboring defense sectors, notably targeting Ukrainian manufacturers. The Russian FSB deployed over 150 operatives across Europe, and reports recorded a 40% rise in recruitment attempts on gaming platforms from 2015-2019. Today, Denmark’s PET, led by chief Emil Gresholm, warns that Russian agents similarly enlist Danish citizens to sabotage firms supplying weapons to Ukraine, echoing past covert tactics. The EU’s coordinated sanctions and Berlin’s heightened security posture aim to deter further hybrid incursions, reinforcing NATO’s collective defense against Russian subversion.

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Russian Intelligence Recruiting

Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service (PET) reported that Russian intelligence is recruiting Danish citizens to plan sabotage of Danish defence companies recently.
Moscow denied any involvement in hybrid warfare or sabotage activities, rejecting PET's allegations as PET warned of potential attacks.
PET said recruitment occurs on social-media and gaming platforms, targeting defence firms.
EU ministers discussed sanctions after a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport.

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