For years, Kyiv has warned that Russia's aggression extends far beyond conventional battlefields. Now, according to Ukraine's top security official, Europe is finally listening.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, told Euronews on the sidelines of the Riga Conference that Central European states are beginning to see and feel the effects of Russian hybrid operations. "Central European states ... see and feel the manifestations of Russian aggressive acts embodied in hybrid operations," he said.
Budanov, who previously led Ukraine's military intelligence, described a familiar Russian playbook: it starts with "special information operations and propaganda" and escalates to "operations of a different nature," including serious incidents at defence industry enterprises, airfields, and railways. "I hope that change is happening, and it will continue to happen, and that everybody understands now who we're dealing with," he added.
Concrete incidents across Europe
His remarks come amid a series of suspected Russian sabotage acts across the continent. In Estonia, Prime Minister Kristen Michal recently said an arson attack on a defence contractor may be linked to Moscow, though the investigation is ongoing. Germany has formally attributed an explosive-laden drone found at Leipzig airport to Russia. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called it part of a "long series of attempts at destabilisation, disinformation, threats, sabotage and aggression directed at Europe."
These incidents fit a broader pattern of Russian activity targeting critical infrastructure, including undersea cables and transport hubs. European security services have also flagged suspected espionage efforts aimed at defence supply chains.
Ratcliffe's surprise Moscow trip
The heightened alert follows CIA Director John Ratcliffe's unannounced visit to Moscow, which passed through Riga. The trip sparked speculation about what intelligence prompted Washington to send its spy chief, and whether the Baltics should be more concerned. Estonia and Latvia said they would remain vigilant but that their threat assessment had not changed. Reports suggested Ratcliffe may also have raised Russia's support for Iran amid its conflict with the US.
Asked whether Baltic nations were downplaying the seriousness of the visit, Budanov said they receive all necessary information and that allies remain in constant information exchange. "This threat will remain a potential threat. You should keep in mind the experiences of our country," he cautioned.
Ukraine's offer: learn from us
At a panel discussion, Budanov stressed that no one in the world has the kind of military experience that Ukraine and Russia have accumulated. He offered Kyiv's expertise to European partners, saying, "If you don't want to deal with Russia — deal with us."
Ukraine has repeatedly called on Europe to prepare for hybrid threats, from disinformation campaigns to sabotage of critical infrastructure. The recent incidents suggest that message is finally resonating beyond the Baltic states, as Central European governments confront the reality of Russian operations on their soil.
Budanov's warning comes as Ukraine continues to face intense Russian attacks, including deadly strikes and record drone activity on both sides. The experience Ukraine has gained in countering these tactics is now being offered to allies who may face similar challenges.
For European governments, the question is no longer whether Russia is waging hybrid warfare, but how quickly they can adapt. Budanov's message is clear: the threat is real, and Ukraine's hard-won knowledge is available to those willing to learn.
