From Drones to Assassins: Experts Warn Russia’s Hybrid War in Europe Could Turn Deadly

A growing campaign of suspected Russian sabotage across Europe is prompting warnings that the next stage could involve attempts to kill senior defence officials and other prominent targets.

Germany has become a particular focus of concern after Berlin formally accused Moscow of orchestrating an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. German authorities said they found an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft and that the incident resembled patterns linked to earlier Russian hybrid operations. Moscow has denied the allegations.

The incident forms part of a wider series of suspected operations targeting critical infrastructure, defence facilities and government systems. European officials increasingly describe them as a Russian “hybrid war”, designed to disrupt support for Ukraine while staying below the threshold of open conflict.

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state terrorism

German lawmaker and security expert Roderich Kiesewetter warned that the campaign could enter a more dangerous phase, including attempts against senior figures in the defence industry. He predicted a rise in what he called “state terrorism” on German soil and said evidence could lead back to Moscow. Former British defence minister Tobias Ellwood also warned that another poisoning operation resembling the 2018 Salisbury attack could occur. That attack targeted former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter with Novichok. Dawn Sturgess later died after coming into contact with the discarded poison.

The concern extends beyond assassination plots. Atlantic Council experts say Russia has repeatedly tested how far it can pressure European countries and NATO without provoking a decisive response. The reported methods include drone incursions, cyberattacks, sabotage, arson, GPS jamming and disinformation. Western intelligence assessments cited by Express say Russia has increasingly used disposable operatives recruited online, including through Telegram, and paid in cryptocurrency. The Baltic states, Poland, Nordic countries, Moldova and Romania are also identified as potential pressure points.

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grey area