Story perspectives

Germany warns it’s unprepared for Russia’s hybrid campaign

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 10:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Germany’s security officials say the country is ill-prepared for Russia’s long-term hybrid attacks.
BfV president Sinan Selen called Russia’s covert actions a permanent hybrid campaign on October 12.
Experts warn Russia could field a conventional force of 1.5 million troops against NATO by 2029.
An explosive-laden drone attack on a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig-Halle was blamed on Russia.
AfD became Saxony-Anhalt’s strongest party after September elections, the first far-right win since WWII.

History

Historical Context

In February 2014, after Ukraine’s Euromaidan ousted President Yanukovych, Russian “green-men” seized Crimea’s airports, parliament and other sites, culminating in a disputed referendum and Russia’s formal incorporation on 18 March 2014. The takeover, the first European annexation since World War II, prompted a UN General Assembly vote (100-11-58) condemning it, NATO suspension of cooperation, and a wave of hybrid-war countermeasures across Europe.

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Story summary

Germany’s security officials say the country is ill-prepared for Russia’s long-term hybrid attacks.
BfV president Sinan Selen called Russia’s covert actions a permanent hybrid campaign on October 12.
Experts warn Russia could field a conventional force of 1.5 million troops against NATO by 2029.
An explosive-laden drone attack on a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig-Halle was blamed on Russia.
AfD became Saxony-Anhalt’s strongest party after September elections, the first far-right win since WWII.

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