Suspicion in Ireland: Russia behind wave of bomb threats in Europe

Irish intelligence suspects Russia is behind a wave of bomb threats and cyberattacks that disrupted operations across Europe last week, as part of a coordinated campaign to sow panic ahead of a summit of leaders set to take place this week in Dublin. This was revealed today (Sunday) in the Sunday Times. According to the report, at least 50 commercial flights, hundreds of schools, communication systems, and supermarket chains were affected in a series of events believed to be linked. At the center of suspicion is the European Political Community summit, expected to open on Thursday in Dublin with the participation of dozens of leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ireland, holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, has expressed broad support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Over the past week, bomb threats were received against dozens of flights, some of which were forced to make emergency landings, and operations were halted at several airports. No explosives were found on any of the aircraft. The Irish public broadcaster RTÉ was forced to evacuate its employees and suspend broadcasts for hours. It is suspected that a cyberattack that damaged the automatic cooling systems of the Irish supermarket chain SuperValu may also be part of the same operation. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that the events are being investigated and that there is a broad assessment that Russia is involved. Irish Defense Minister Helen McEntee clarified that Russian involvement cannot be ruled out. Ahead of the summit, Ireland is preparing for the largest security operation in its history, including closing areas in central Dublin, flight restrictions, and increased protection against drones. The main concern is cyberattacks on electricity, communication, and transportation infrastructure.