Russia's hybrid warfare campaign in Europe
European officials say Russian hybrid attacks -- sabotage, arson, cyberattacks and airspace incursions -- have been pushing deeper into the continent over the summer as fighting in Ukraine grinds on with heavy casualties and little battlefield movement. Incidents cited include military divers destroying two drones off Romania near a 4 billion euro Black Sea energy project in August, Romanian F-16s downing a maritime drone near the same gas platform days later, an armed drone detected at Germany's Leipzig airport, and NATO jets shooting down an unmanned aircraft that crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus. Authorities in each case pointed to the Kremlin, describing the incidents as growing in number and recklessness even as they stop short of open conflict.
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As it ran
18 September 2026
- Finnish official details how Russia's 'hybrid warfare' reshaped border security Fox News
- Russian hybrid attacks against Europe intensifying, says Macron BBC News
17 September 2026
- ‘War without battle’: Russia tests Europe with mounting hybrid attacks South China Morning Post