European officials warn of rising Russian hybrid threats and election risks

European defense officials and security experts are warning of escalating Russian hybrid warfare tactics across the continent. Security analysts highlighted an increased risk to critical infrastructure following the discovery of armed drones near Germany’s Leipzig airport.

Concurrently, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur warned that upcoming elections in Sweden and other Baltic Sea nations face heightened risks from Russian influence operations. Sweden’s military leadership similarly urged preparedness, cautioning that Moscow could test NATO’s collective defense resolve through direct targets in Europe.

On the military front, Ukraine conducted long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries in Bashkiria and Yaroslavl. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operations, Russian officials downplayed their impact.

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