Russia probing Nato’s defences with sabotage; experts fear escalation to assassinations
Germany has emerged as a particular focus of concern after Berlin formally accused Russia of orchestrating an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.
German authorities said an explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft and that the incident matched patterns seen in previous Russian hybrid operations. Moscow has denied the allegations.
European officials have increasingly described such operations as part of a Russian “hybrid war” designed to disrupt support for Ukraine while remaining below the threshold of conventional conflict. The warning comes amid a wider series of suspected acts of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, defence facilities and government systems across Europe.
He predicted an increase in what he described as “state terrorism” on German soil, saying traces of such operations could lead back to Moscow. Former British defence minister Tobias Ellwood similarly warned that another poisoning operation resembling the 2018 Salisbury attack could occur, arguing that Russia has become adept at exploiting the “grey area” between conventional warfare and covert operations. Western intelligence assessments indicate that Russia has increasingly relied on disposable operatives recruited online, including through Telegram, and paid in cryptocurrency, according to a report by Express.
German lawmaker and security expert Roderich Kiesewetter warned that the next phase could include attempts to kill senior figures in the defence industry. Such agents have allegedly been used in arson attacks, railway sabotage and attempted attacks while helping Moscow maintain plausible deniability.