European security warnings mount amid hybrid threats and refinery strikes

European defence officials and security experts are warning of escalating hybrid warfare across the Baltic Sea region. Security expert Carlo Masala warned that Russian tactics have reached a "new level" following investigations into armed drones discovered near Germany's Leipzig airport, where investigators suspect an expanded sabotage attempt.

Simultaneously, Sweden's military leadership urged mental preparedness for potential Russian attacks designed to test NATO's cohesion. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur also warned that upcoming elections across Baltic Sea nations face elevated risks from Russian influence operations.

Concurrently, Ukraine expanded its long-range strike campaign inside Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced drone attacks targeting oil refineries in Bashkiria and Yaroslavl, though Russian officials downplayed the impact of the strikes.

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