Europe warns of rising Russian sabotage but sees no imminent NATO attack

European ministers warned that Russia is intensifying sabotage, cyberattacks, and other hybrid attacks across Europe to undermine support for Ukraine, while dismissing concerns of an imminent direct NATO assault. They spoke on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week. Officials from NATO's eastern flank cited drone incursions, arson, explosions, and airspace violations, including a Russian Mi-8 helicopter incursion into Polish airspace and over 100 drone incidents in Romania. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Moscow is trying to scare Europe into reducing support for Kyiv, urging tougher sanctions on Russia's economy and military-industrial complex. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia lacks the capability for active military aggression against NATO while engaged in Ukraine, arguing the campaign aims to create fear and divide Western societies. Ministers emphasized unity, deterrence, and continued support for Ukraine, particularly ahead of winter, as the best countermeasures.