Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an expansion of covert operations against European countries, potentially including sabotage targeting infrastructure, according to assessments by Western intelligence agencies reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper cited sources familiar with intelligence information.
One episode in the alleged campaign was a thwarted attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. According to the newspaper, Western intelligence services are examining the incident in the context of broader operations believed to be linked to Russian intelligence agencies.
The WSJ's sources described the operations as an attempt to pressure European countries supporting Ukraine and create additional risks for transport and other critical infrastructure.
However, the allegation that Putin personally gave the order has not been substantiated by a publicly released document. The information about his involvement is based on intelligence assessments cited by the newspaper.
Russian authorities have previously denied involvement in sabotage operations in European countries. Individual incidents are at different stages of investigation, and Russia's responsibility for each cannot be considered established solely on the basis of a broader intelligence assessment.
The WSJ investigation presents new information about the alleged coordination of operations against European infrastructure. Assessing its accuracy and legal implications depends on evidence available to investigators and intelligence agencies.