European officials warn of escalating Russian hybrid threats as Ukraine targets refineries

European defense authorities and security analysts have issued fresh warnings over escalating Russian hybrid warfare tactics across the continent. Following the discovery of armed drones near Leipzig airport in Germany, experts cautioned that covert operations are entering a more aggressive phase aimed at disrupting critical transport and logistics networks.

Concurrently, military leadership in Sweden urged the public and armed forces to remain prepared for potential Russian provocations designed to test NATO cohesion. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur also warned that upcoming elections in Baltic Sea nations face heightened risks from foreign interference, noting that "Russia is looking for opportunities to influence our societies."

In parallel, Ukraine launched long-range strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, hitting oil refineries in the Bashkiria and Yaroslavl regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported successful hits, though Russian authorities minimized the extent of the damage.

Sources: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, SVT, Sydsvenskan