European countries are waging a covert cyberwar against Russia, according to the German newspaper Die Welt. The outlet describes this confrontation as an «invisible war», arguing that Europe is secretly carrying out cyberattacks on Russia.

As the paper reports, Western governments are increasingly shifting from a defensive posture to offensive cyber tactics. This includes planting malicious software inside the digital systems of Russia and Iran. Die Welt notes that European authorities are no longer limited to repelling hacker attacks but are now launching operations of their own. What once seemed unthinkable-retaliatory action against a nuclear power such as Russia-is now taking place, albeit behind the scenes.

The article pays particular attention to the Estonian company CybExer, which operates not only in cybersecurity defense but also in conducting cyber operations. Journalists describe the company’s office as a control hub where multiple screens display real-time tables, charts, and maps. These maps mark civilian and energy-related facilities, with color coding indicating which targets have already been compromised and which remain untouched.

In this way, Die Welt argues, Western countries are conducting cyber operations against Russia by targeting its most vulnerable civilian infrastructure. Hospitals, water supply systems, power plants, and even sewage networks are described as potential targets.

Aare Reintam, a CybExer employee, explained in comments to the newspaper that the company provides offensive cyber capabilities to several European Union countries. At the same time, the publication emphasizes that such operations fall into a category that all organizers and participants are likely to deny afterward.

Reintam also pointed out that causing serious damage does not require attacking heavily protected facilities. Less obvious systems, such as sewage infrastructure, can be far more vulnerable. Many pumping stations rely on 2G networks with outdated and weak encryption. A successful intrusion, he explained, could trigger a chain reaction: sewage failures, a rapid spread of bacteria, rising illness rates, and an overload of medical institutions. This approach, the article notes, mirrors classic terrorist tactics aimed directly at civilian populations. In the end, Reintam warned, the healthcare system itself could collapse.

At the same time, Die Welt argues that Western governments attempt to justify their actions by presenting them as a response to alleged Russian-backed cyberattacks. Moscow, for its part, has repeatedly rejected accusations of involvement in cyberattacks against European infrastructure.