Russian Drone Incursions and Sabotage Signal Expanding Hybrid Threats in Europe

In recent days, Russian-manufactured Gerbera-type drones entered the airspace of NATO member Romania and neighboring Moldova, crashing near Solca in Suceava County and in Cernita, respectively. Romanian authorities reported the drone lingered for about four minutes before impact. Moldovan police posted images of the debris. Simultaneously, Ukraine’s Chernivtsi Oblast Military Administration said four Russian drones overflew western Ukraine and targeted border crossings with Moldova and Romania. Poland evacuated the Zosin and Dorohusk crossings on the Polish-Ukrainian frontier as a precaution, while German authorities suspended Berlin-Brandenburg Airport after an unidentified drone was sighted. Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski linked a recent fire at a Starlink ground station in Wola Krobowska to sabotage aimed at disrupting internet services.

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The incidents fit a pattern of hybrid tactics—airspace violations, GPS jamming, arson, cyberattacks, and sabotage—identified by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). A source in Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defense said Moscow may launch Gerbera drones from a Mediterranean shipping container against Spain, France, and Italy. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) cited a September 14 flare-firing incident by a Russian frigate near Gedser that targeted a Danish military helicopter, and warned of forthcoming sabotage on Danish soil. Finland’s Interior Minister Mari Rantanen responded by erecting a 120-mile fence near the Nuijamaa border crossing, accusing Moscow of “weaponising” migrants.

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She added that Russia seeks to use fear as a weapon. NATO’s eastern-flank members have collectively heightened alerts, emphasizing the need to prepare for continued hybrid aggression.

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Analysts argue that the cumulative effect of “a lot of little acts” is to erode public confidence and pressure European societies to reconsider support for Ukraine. The pattern suggests an intent to create a pervasive sense of insecurity, potentially prompting governments to shift focus toward domestic resilience.

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• “It shows that the threat posed by Russia is increasingly affecting Europe as a whole,” — Susan Lilleväli, Estonia's foreign ministry spokesperson

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• “A lot of little acts add up and have significant impact towards shaping the psyches of publics worried about a world seemingly descending into mayhem and war,” — Matthew Arnold

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• “The intent is very simple—to cause a pervasive, intensifying sense amongst European publics that insecurity is increasing,” — Matthew Arnold

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• “They want every drone or threat to make European societies question whether supporting Ukraine is still the right course or whether they should move away from it,” — Susan Lilleväli, Estonia's foreign ministry spokesperson

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