Security services say spate of fires and infrastructure attacks could be part of systemic attempt by Russia to destabilise continent


Security services around Europe are on alert to a potential new weapon of Russia’s war – arson and sabotage – after a spate of mystery fires and attacks on infrastructure in the Baltics, Germany and the UK.

When a fire broke out in Ikea in Vilnius in Lithuania this month, few passed any remarks until the Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, suggested it could have been the work of a foreign saboteur.

  • frankgrimeszz@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak”

    Burning down an IKEA is a pretty desperate move. They also don’t seem to realise that regardless of whether Europe supports Ukraine or not, Ukraine will never surrender. As long as a Ukrainian breaths, there will be resistance to Russia.

    • KidnappedByKitties@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      Maybe, it also has symbolic value, and might demoralise the civilian populace, whose support is crucial to the continued state support.

      It still seems a weak move as infrastructure should be a more effective target, but who knows how many layers of distractions and attacks of opportunity really happen in the field?

      • frankgrimeszz@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        Destroying a historic monument or building to demoralise would make more sense. Instead, we have the Russian War on Low Prices.

        • lurch (he/him)@sh.itjust.works
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          5 months ago

          Nothing of this will work like that though, because Europeans are not tame and obidient in nature. A lot even rebellious. This will get more support for sanctions vs russia, military support for Ukraine and even some outrcries to strike russia directly.