Russia Targets Danish Ukraine Suppliers in Sabotage Campaign

Russia has begun targeting Danish companies that supply military equipment to Ukraine as part of an escalating sabotage campaign, according to Denmark’s national security and intelligence service.

Josefine Christensen, lead analyst at Denmark’s PET intelligence agency, said Wednesday that Moscow has shifted its strategy after broader disruption efforts failed to weaken NATO’s military support for Ukraine.

Speaking at a homeland security conference in Copenhagen, Christensen said Russian-linked operations moved from extensive planning in the spring to increased activity by early summer. According to Danish intelligence, Moscow is now focusing more directly on companies whose operations could affect the battlefield, particularly weapons manufacturers and other defense-related suppliers.

Christensen said Russia maintains political control over the campaign while operatives have become increasingly willing to take risks. She pointed to an April list from Russia’s defense ministry identifying alleged European drone and drone-component manufacturers as potential military targets.

Russia has repeatedly denied conducting sabotage and hybrid warfare operations in Europe. The Russian embassy in Copenhagen rejected Denmark’s latest allegations, describing them as unfounded.

Danish intelligence also says Russia is increasingly recruiting inexperienced proxies through Telegram and other social media platforms. Potential recruits can include homeless people, individuals struggling with drug addiction and others seeking quick payments.

Recruitment often begins with relatively simple assignments, such as photographing or conducting surveillance on potential targets, before progressing to sabotage. Christensen said Russian handlers may repeatedly recruit new individuals until an operation succeeds.

Denmark’s defense intelligence service warned last month that Russia could intensify hybrid attacks against Western countries in the coming months. The warning followed Germany’s accusation that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August.

Concerns about Russian hybrid warfare have also increased in Denmark. In September 2025, drones disrupted flights at six Danish airports, including Copenhagen Airport, shortly before Denmark hosted a European Union summit. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the incident at the time as a hybrid attack against the country.