Drone Attacks, Cyber Operations, and Disinformation: Why Is Russia Accused of ‘Hybrid Warfare’ Against Europe?

Tensions between Russia and the Western world escalated after Germany accused Russia of a drone attack at the Leipzig airport last month. Alexander Dobrindt, Germany’s Minister of the Interior, described this drone strike—which targeted both combatants and civilians without direct open conflict—as “emulating the style of hybrid operations conducted by Russia in Europe.” In response, Germany and Russia have shut down each other’s cultural centers, and the Russian commercial consulate in Bonn has also been closed.

Matthew Whitaker, the US Ambassador to NATO, referred to the Leipzig airport attack as one of the “most alarming hybrid operations” occurring in Europe. “Such actions are unacceptable and must be met with an immediate and strong response,” he said. Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, experts have noted Moscow’s wide use of hybrid warfare tactics. Russia denies involvement in the Leipzig incident, labeling Germany’s accusations as baseless and rejecting previous claims as well.

Earlier this year, the Bratislava-based think tank GLOBSEC reported uncovering 151 separate Russian operations against Europe from 2022 through February 2026. They suggested the actual number of such activities could be even higher. These operations have included assassination attempts, arson, vandalism, and disruptions in public spaces. GLOBSEC noted that the primary motivation behind attacks in countries such as Poland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and the United Kingdom has been these nations’ support for Ukraine.