Europe Probes Whether Russia Is Behind Bomb Hoaxes

European security officials are investigating whether hoax bomb threats against airlines and news outlets came from Russia.

• 20 commercial flights were hit by hoax alerts on a third straight day.
• Sky News, Ireland's RTE and Bulgaria's Nova TV evacuated after emailed threats.
• 45 minutes was the stated countdown before the claimed devices would detonate.
• Earlier that week, hackers raised supermarket freezer temperatures and spoiled food.

Why it matters: Officials say the incidents look coordinated but cannot identify a source. Direct Russian intelligence involvement is unconfirmed.

• EU officials say hybrid threats aim to punish nations that back Ukraine.
• Direct disruption to air travel stayed limited despite diversions and jet escorts.

How 3 sources split on this story

Where they split: Coverage differs on how strongly to point toward Russia: some reporting leads with suspected pro-Kremlin actors, while other reporting stresses that no evidence yet establishes Russian responsibility.

What’s next: Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said authorities are still determining whether the threats were coordinated.

• The emails, signed Mikhail Andropov, warned more incidents would follow in Europe.
• Who sent the emails, and is the sender linked to any state?
• Are the freezer hacks connected to the bomb threats?