From drones to assassins: Russia's hybrid war in Europe could turn deadly, experts warn

Russia probing Nato's defences with sabotage; experts fear escalation to assassinations A growing series of suspected Russian sabotage operations across Europe is raising fears that Moscow’s campaign of covert pressure could escalate into attempts to kill senior defence officials and other prominent targets, security experts have warned.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.The warning comes amid a wider series of suspected acts of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, defence facilities and government systems across Europe. 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.Germany fears Russian operations could turn deadlyGerman lawmaker and security expert Roderich Kiesewetter warned that the n...