Putin set to expand Russia’s war with Ukraine across Europe using missiles, drones and hybrid attacks, spy chiefs warn

VLADIMIR Putin is set to expand Russia’s war with Ukraine across Europe using missiles, drones and hybrid attacks, spy chiefs say. Western intelligence officials believe the tyrant is preparing a huge “stealth mobilisation” of some 300,000 troops to feed into his brutal invasion campaign. Spy chiefs warn Vladimir Putin is preparing to expand Russia’s war across Europe, with Western intelligence officials fearing he could mobilise 300,000 troops Credit: AFP Putin’s four-and-a-half-year war in Ukraine has stalled, with a Kremlin source claiming the despot has decided he has no option but to escalate hostilities across the continent Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Leaders across the continent warned attacks are likely to focus on more intensive drone and missile launches into Nato territory to test resolve. Constant probing of the alliance’s eastern flank will be combined with hybrid strikes on key infrastructure by Russian agents, plus threats to undersea pipelines and communication cables. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! French President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and defence industries from sabotage. Poland’s Donald Tusk also warned Russia is planning missile strikes, which would be described as “accidental” by the Kremlin to test Nato. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and defence industries from sabotage Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Concerns grew over reports Donald Trump is considering halving the 80,000 US troops stationed in Europe Credit: AP Alliance countries are sworn to strike back if any member state is attacked. Concerns grew yesterday amid reports US President Donald Trump is considering halving the 80,000 US troops stationed in Europe. Nato officials denied the claims. Intelligence sources claim Putin is backed into a corner. His four-and-a-half year Ukraine war has stalled after suffering 1.5million casualties, including 500,000 deaths. One Kremlin source claimed the despot has decided he has no option but to escalate hostilities across the continent. Most read in The Sun Poland was again forced to scramble fighter jets and shut Lublin and Rzeszow airports on Thursday amid attacks near the Ukraine border. Comment now