Europe targeted by spiralling campaign of sabotage and Russia is the chief suspect
European officials are investigating a series of suspicious fires and sabotage attempts at defense facilities across the continent, with Russia identified as the primary suspect. Germany and other nations have linked these incidents to a broader pattern of hybrid warfare.
Why it matters
The escalation of suspected sabotage against European defense infrastructure marks a significant shift in geopolitical tensions and security threats related to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Sarah Rainsford Southern and Eastern Europe correspondent Reuters Germany said the attack at Leipzig airport was part of a pattern of "Russian hybrid operations" in Europe As summer temperatures in Europe smashed records and many politicians shifted to holiday mode, Russia remained focused on its war.
Not only did its military attacks across Ukraine intensify last month, becoming ever more deadly for civilians, Russia also appears to have escalated its sabotage campaign across Europe.
This time, military and defence sector sites were the prime target.
A full month after drones packed with explosives were found at Leipzig's airport, used by Ukraine to transport military goods, Germany's interior minister has declared that "Russia is responsible".
Russia's President Vladimir Putin is demanding proof, as always, and his officials call the accusation "absurd".
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