Part 7/9:
The Strategic Dilemma for Europe and NATO
The development underscores a growing challenge for European security. Since the ships are civilian and operate across multiple jurisdictions, interdiction by NATO naval forces becomes complicated, risking escalation or diplomatic conflicts. As Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, commented, Russia’s hybrid strategy constitutes a "gray zone campaign" involving cyber attacks, propaganda, energy coercion, and now, maritime sabotage.
European leaders acknowledge that these tactics are part of Russia’s broader effort to undermine Western interests indirectly. The use of civilian infrastructure and front companies enables plausible deniability, complicating attribution and response.