European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas stated during an institutional visit to Rome that “a third of all personnel in European operations comes from Italy,” highlighting the nation’s heavy contribution to continental defense missions. Kallas met with Pope Francis, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to discuss ongoing security challenges, the war in Ukraine, and escalating hybrid threats across member states.
Three New Countries Contribute to Aspides
Kallas announced that three new countries are ready to contribute to Aspides.
Kallas and Italian defense officials also reviewed emergency security protocols designed to establish a political platform for addressing hybrid threats before they materialize. Kallas noted that the emergency security protocol aims to provide a mechanism for leaders, ministers, or ambassadors to convene when hybrid threats occur.
Russian Sabotage and Hybrid Threats Across Europe
The diplomatic meetings in Rome parallel broader security warnings across the continent regarding Russian intelligence operations. According to reporting from Ukrainian foreign intelligence deputy chief Oleh Luhovskyi, European security services are currently tracking at least 366 Russian intelligence agents operating within European borders under various cover identities, including diplomatic postings. Luhovskyi told Spiegel that this follows large-scale expulsions of spies at the start of the war and warned that the situation is likely to worsen.
European officials emphasize that these actions form part of a coordinated campaign. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council Europe warned in a unanimous resolution that cyberattacks, arson, drone incursions, and infrastructure sabotage should not be dismissed as isolated incidents, but rather as deliberate attempts to erode democratic resilience and weaken support for Ukraine. The assembly urged member states to recognize the full scope of the Russian threat and adopt coordinated responses. Recent examples include a drone attack attempt against Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany and an arson attack on a drone manufacturer in Estonia.
Complementing these concerns, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Euronews that Europe’s response to hybrid warfare must impose tangible costs on Moscow, warning that Russian leadership seeks to influence European public opinion through fear and disruption. Kubilius stated that Vladimir Putin intends to occupy “the hearts and minds” of Europeans.
Diplomatic Pressure and Sanctions Discussions
Kallas informed that the EU has proposed a record package of sanctions targeting 1,600 individuals and entities, with a goal to reach an agreement by October. This plan includes extending all existing designations for three years to avoid six-month renewal cycles, though two oligarchs were removed from the list.
Meanwhile, divergent views persist regarding direct communication with the Kremlin. While figures such as Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev advocated for diplomatic engagement to mitigate nuclear risks during recent Euronews summits, senior EU officials maintain that current Russian diplomatic positions demand unwavering pressure rather than unconditional dialogue. Radev argued that peace will be defined by diplomacy rather than weapon deliveries. Conversely, Kubilius argued that Russian diplomacy simply demands Ukraine’s surrender and that opening channels could encourage further escalation.
Track Russian Intelligence Agents Operating Across Europe
How many Russian intelligence agents are estimated to be operating in Europe?
According to Ukrainian foreign intelligence deputy chief Oleh Luhovskyi, European authorities are tracking at least 366 Russian intelligence agents stationed across European countries.
What new measures is the EU taking against hybrid threats?
The European Union has proposed an emergency security protocol providing a political platform for ambassadors, ministers, and leaders to coordinate immediate responses to hybrid attacks and infrastructure threats.
Global Food Security and Maritime Infrastructure
Beyond continental security, international diplomatic efforts continue to focus on maritime trade routes. Speaking on behalf of a 51-nation coalition supporting Ukraine during a UN Security Council session, Kallas expressed deep concern regarding Russian attacks in the Black Sea that jeopardize grain exports and global food security. She called for the protection of commercial shipping and critical infrastructure, stating that the coalition supports efforts to reach an agreement in the Black Sea to safeguard free ship movement.
Regarding the broader conflict, Kubilius asserted that “Vladimir Putin must understand that in the end he will get nothing with this war,” adding that “Putin must feel that the war is coming into Russia itself.”
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