European leaders are increasingly concerned that Russia could step up hybrid attacks against NATO member states after the State Duma elections, The Telegraph reported.

According to European intelligence officials, the conflict in Ukraine could develop into a more open campaign targeting countries within the Alliance.

The potential actions under discussion include sabotage, cyberattacks, provocations and strikes close to NATO borders. European officials believe such incidents could be used to test how the Alliance responds.

France has already begun preparing for such risks. President Emmanuel Macron ordered measures to strengthen protection for critical infrastructure and defense industry facilities against possible acts of sabotage.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had previously warned that Russia could strike countries supporting Ukraine while presenting the incidents as accidental. According to Tusk, such actions could be intended to test NATO’s unity and its response.