European officials warn of rising Russian hybrid threats as Ukraine strikes refineries

European defense experts and officials have warned of escalating Russian hybrid warfare tactics, citing increasingly aggressive operations across the continent. Security analysts highlighted a recent incident involving armed drones near Leipzig airport in Germany, warning that covert actions are shifting toward more dangerous disruptions of transport infrastructure.

In response, Swedish military leaders urged citizens and armed forces to remain mentally prepared for potential Russian provocations aimed at testing NATO cohesion. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur similarly cautioned that upcoming elections across Baltic Sea nations face elevated risks of foreign interference, stating that "Russia is looking for opportunities to influence our societies."

Concurrently, Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes against oil refineries in Russia's Bashkiria and Yaroslavl regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported successful hits, while Russian officials downplayed the impact of the attacks.

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