Russian Sabotage in Europe, a British court has convicted three men in connection with a Russian-directed arson attack on a London warehouse used to supply Ukraine. The March 2024 fire, which endangered civilians and destroyed key military aid equipment, is part of a broader campaign of sabotage across Europe reportedly coordinated by Russian intelligence services.
According to court evidence, Dylan Earl, a 21-year-old British national, coordinated the arson with guidance from a Russian handler. Messages revealed the handler praised the warehouse fire, calling it “excellent” in Russian. Earl and another man pleaded guilty before trial, while three others were found guilty on July 9.
The warehouse stored Starlink satellite communication devices critical to Ukrainian military operations. Around half of its contents were destroyed. The fire, set just before midnight, nearly reached a residential apartment complex, forcing emergency evacuations. Over 60 firefighters responded to contain the blaze.
The attack is one of over 70 similar incidents across Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to intelligence sources cited by the Associated Press. These include sabotage attempts on cargo planes, shopping centers, and infrastructure in countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
European intelligence officials report that Russia is increasingly recruiting foreign nationals, including Ukrainians, to carry out acts of sabotage. These recruits often have no prior criminal records and are paid small amounts, suggesting the use of low-level operatives instead of trained intelligence officers. Officials attribute this shift to the expulsion of Russian spies following the 2018 Skripal poisoning in the UK.
Trial evidence showed that Earl was recruited via Telegram, a platform often associated with the Russian Wagner Group. Using the alias “Privet Bot,” the Russian operative communicated with Earl primarily in Russian, offering ideological support and instructions. Messages revealed Earl fantasized about espionage and even suggested placing nails in explosive devices to maximize damage.
After the arson, Earl discussed additional targets, including businesses owned by Russian tycoon Evgeny Chichvarkin, who supports Ukraine. While Earl initially expressed reluctance to cause casualties, later communications included talk of homemade bombs and targeting locations with civilians nearby.
UK authorities warn that such plots, while coordinated by Russian intelligence, often lack discipline and can spiral out of control. One intelligence analyst said that although Russian handlers attempt to maintain control, operational chaos and escalating violence are becoming more common.
The Kremlin has denied involvement, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. However, European intelligence agencies remain on high alert, pointing to a growing threat to civilian safety as Russia’s sabotage campaign intensifies.
