Russia has reportedly been planning to deploy incendiary devices on cargo planes in Europe, conducting a test run this summer that resulted in fires at shipping hubs in Britain and Germany. This operation is believed to be part of a broader escalation of sabotage efforts by the Kremlin against Western adversaries, according to four Western officials briefed on the intelligence.
The exact objectives of the plot, orchestrated by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, remain unclear. Some officials suggest it may have been aimed at instilling fear or delivering a warning by setting fires at DHL logistics hubs, while others are investigating whether the intent was to cause more severe damage, such as destroying planes or setting off bombs at U.S. facilities.
This operation is seen as an attempt by Russian President Vladimir V. Putin to retaliate against the West for its support of Ukraine’s military efforts. The Kremlin’s apparent strategy is to undermine Western backing for Ukraine or, if that fails, to impose costs on those supporting Kyiv.
During the initial years of the Ukraine conflict, Russia largely refrained from directly provoking NATO allies, but recent intelligence suggests this caution has diminished. Poland’s domestic intelligence service has characterized these activities as increasingly resembling terrorist acts.
Incendiary devices were reportedly found at DHL shipping hubs in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, England, causing minimal damage but raising concerns about the potential for bombs being loaded onto aircraft. DHL confirmed recent incidents within its network and stated it is cooperating with authorities to ensure safety.
Polish authorities recently arrested four suspects linked to the incendiary device incidents, with indications that the plot may have been a test run for potential attacks on planes headed for the United States and Canada. However, this intent remains unconfirmed by Western officials.
There is speculation that Russia may be considering more aggressive tactics, such as targeting cargo planes over or bound for the U.S., particularly if the U.S. increases military support for Ukraine. Despite these concerns, officials noted that there is currently no active threat targeting U.S.-bound flights.
The plot is part of a wider Russian campaign of sabotage across Europe, which has included acts of vandalism, arson, and physical attacks attributed to the GRU. Previous incidents involve the assassination of a Russian defector in Spain and plots against a German arms manufacturer.
Officials warned that the use of local criminal proxies for sabotage complicates attribution to Russian intelligence, as these individuals may not fully understand the operations they are involved in. The GRU has increasingly relied on such proxies due to the expulsion of many of its operatives from European countries.
Despite the challenges faced by Russian intelligence in Europe, the GRU is reported to be actively seeking to create chaos and disruption. Intelligence officials have noted that reliance on criminal elements can lead to reckless operations, but these proxies offer a degree of deniability for Russian agents.
In summary, the situation indicates a significant shift in Russia’s approach to conducting operations against Western interests, with an increasing reliance on sabotage tactics that may pose threats to civilian safety and international stability.