Russian hybrid attacks bear ‘hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism’: EU foreign policy chief

Russian hybrid attacks across Europe bear “all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Wednesday, as the bloc considers further measures against Moscow.

Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland, Kallas said several member states had summoned Russian ambassadors over the attacks.

Kallas said the EU already has 1,600 listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex in the pipeline and that more could be added.

She stressed, however, that no formal decisions would be taken at the informal meeting.

Referring to the alleged Russian drone attack at Germany's Leipzig Airport in August, Kallas said Berlin’s response sent “a very strong signal,” adding that German officials were grateful for the support expressed by other EU member states.

“I think this is the unified response that we need to take,” she said.

Kallas said the attacks should serve as “wake-up calls” for countries that have so far taken a less forceful position toward Moscow.

Ukraine will also join part of the discussions, which will focus on coordinating further measures to increase pressure on Russia amid its intensified attacks on civilians, according to Kallas.

Ministers will also discuss how to make EU foreign policy more effective, particularly in view of the bloc’s unanimity requirement, she added.

“In this geopolitical context, we have to be more agile, and we have to really be able to react to situations that are upcoming,” she said.

The agenda will also cover the protection of critical infrastructure, including the use of underwater drones and lessons learned from Ukraine’s technological innovations.

Regarding the Middle East, ministers will discuss freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, potential cooperation with a Saudi-led multinational initiative, and developments in the occupied West Bank.