Wagners back? From Ukraine frontlines to European cities, Russia's mercenary 'ghosts' strike again

Allegations are mounting that operatives linked to Russia’s notorious Wagner Group are playing a role in covert sabotage plots across Europe. According to a report by the Financial Times, former Wagner recruiters are now allegedly involved in Kremlin-linked operations ranging from arson attacks to sabotage targeting political figures and Ukraine aid infrastructure. European intelligence officials claim Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, is leveraging networks once built by Wagner to recruit “disposable” agents with layers of deniability. European security agencies also point to increased activity by Russia’s domestic intelligence service, the FSB, which is reportedly tapping into criminal and diaspora networks abroad. Beyond Europe, Wagner-linked forces have previously operated in Ukraine, Africa and parts of the Middle East, underscoring Moscow’s broader use of irregular armed formations. The big question: Is Europe facing a new era of hybrid warfare — and is it prepared?