Russia vs Europe: The three fronts of gray-zone warfare | DW News

European leaders and security experts warn that Russian drone attacks, cyber operations and sabotage are becoming more frequent and aggressive. This video examines Russia’s gray-zone warfare across Europe and the three fronts shaping Europe’s response: physical security, financial pressure and cognitive defense. From the shadow fleet and sanctions evasion to AI-driven disinformation and critical infrastructure attacks, we explain how the EU and NATO are countering Russia's growing shadow war. We also explore why many experts see continued support for Ukraine as a key part of countering Moscow’s strategy. Featuring insights from former Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu, former Vice President of Germany's Foreign Intelligence Service (BND) Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven, DW's Teri Schultz and Ukrainian behavioral scientist Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro: NATO's warning to Moscow
00:28 Hybrid attacks on Europe rising
00:55 Friedrich Merz: "My biggest concern is ... Russia".
01:59 Russia wants to undermine support for Ukraine
02:42 The three fronts of gray-zone warfare
02:58 Physical Battleground: Drones, sabotage & covert attacks
04:44 NATO commander: “We will fight”.
05:38 Chart: Russia’s shadow war operations in Europe 2026
06:27 Financial Battleground: Targeting Russia's war economy
06:40 Russia’s shadow fleet – a financial lifeline
07:41 Chart: Russia’s seaborne crude oil exports
08:15 €210 billion in frozen Russian assets
08:44 Cognitive Battleground: Disinformation, bots & AI
11:46 Weaponizing truth, break through censorship
12:53 NATO’s cognitive warfare concept
13:16 Strengthening the intelligence services
14:36 Where does Europe stand?

#Russia #Europe #NATO #dwgeopolitics

For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/

Follow DW on social media:
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews
►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/
►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews
►Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/DWNews/

Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1