Dutch intelligence services AIVD and MIVD issued a detailed warning on February 19, 2026, that Russia is intensifying hybrid warfare tactics throughout Europe. These include cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage, and influence operations designed to disrupt critical infrastructure and societal stability. The agencies highlighted a notable increase in aggressive operations since 2024, with examples including instructions to send incendiary packages abroad linked to Russian intelligence. Russia aims to manipulate politics, create division, hinder aid to Ukraine, and degrade European unity. The warning was contemporaneous with multiple hostile acts: Russian drones violated Polish airspace and were shot down by Dutch F-35 jets, Dutch fighters entered Estonian airspace, and a Russian frigate and cargo ship transited the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea under Dutch naval surveillance. The Dutch navy vessel Zr.Ms. Den Helder actively escorted the Russian frigate Neustrashimy. These developments exemplify a Russian hybrid warfare campaign blurring peace and war, requiring enhanced deterrence and defense measures in Europe.
Category: Military & Paramilitary Operations
Subcategory: Unconventional / Paramilitary
Incident Type: Use of ‘little green men’ (unmarked soldiers)
Country: Netherlands
Source report: nltimes.nl/2026/02/1…
