The rivalry between Russia and NATO appears to be entering a new and increasingly complex phase, with European countries warning about what they describe as Russia’s growing use of hybrid warfare.

Unlike conventional warfare, hybrid warfare combines military and non-military tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation, electronic warfare, covert operations and economic pressure, to weaken an opponent without triggering a full-scale conflict.

A reported surprise visit to Russia by CIA Director John Ratcliffe has drawn fresh attention to the issue. According to reports in American media, the CIA chief warned Moscow against attacking NATO countries amid intelligence assessments about the possibility of a limited Russian military move designed to test NATO’s resolve.

The Kremlin has rejected those claims, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing them as “scare stories” and accusing European countries of pursuing an aggressive policy toward Russia.

Meanwhile, European governments have increasingly raised concerns over alleged hybrid attacks. Several drone incidents have been reported across the Baltic region, while officials have also pointed to alleged electronic warfare, covert operations and attempts to manipulate navigation systems.

 Moscow Is Accused of 'Unleashing Hybrid Warfare' on Nato States

NATO allies are discussing options to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but the alliance is carefully stressing that this is not a formal NATO mission.

The discussions come as US President Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran and claims Washington has control over the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region.

NATO’s top military commander convened a video conference with interested allies to assess what individual countries could contribute to efforts aimed at protecting shipping through the strategic waterway. The alliance says it is facilitating coordination rather than taking military ownership of the operation.

NATO Weighs Hormuz Security Role Without NATO Mission | Trump Pressures Allies | Iran Tensions

A major security alert was triggered at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport after authorities discovered an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. Flights were diverted for several hours as bomb disposal teams deployed a robot to safely remove the detonator from the unmanned aerial vehicle.

The airport plays a crucial role in transporting military supplies for the German Armed Forces and NATO allies and also serves as a key base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines. German officials described the incident as extremely serious and launched a full-scale investigation into the drone's origin and those responsible.

Germany's Interior Minister urged caution against speculation, saying investigators are examining every possible angle, including the possibility of foreign involvement. Officials also warned that the incident reflects the growing hybrid security threats facing Europe.

Explosive Drone Found Near Ukrainian Cargo Plane at German Airport | Flights Suspended

A cryptic social media post by the head of Ukraine's defense company Firepoint has sparked intense speculation about rising tensions between Ukraine and Iran. The now-deleted post referenced the long-range FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, capable of striking targets up to 3,000 kilometers away, fueling fears of a possible direct military confrontation.

The message comes amid reports of alleged attacks on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea and growing geopolitical tensions involving Kyiv, Tehran, and Russia. Could this signal a new front in the conflict?

Watch the full report for the latest developments.

Ukraine Threatens Iran? Flamingo Missile Post Sparks Fears Of Direct Military Conflict

Britain's defence ambitions are facing renewed scrutiny as mounting budget pressures raise questions about the future of key military programs, including aircraft linked to the country's nuclear deterrence strategy. With defence spending under pressure and strategic threats evolving, policymakers are being forced to weigh military modernization against fiscal constraints. The debate comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and growing demands on NATO members to strengthen their defence capabilities. This report examines the budget challenges, the potential impact on Britain's military plans, and what it could mean for national security.

Budget Crisis Puts Nuclear Jets At Risk: Britain Faces New Defence Questions

British Prime Minsiter Rishi Sunak and the German Councellor Olaf Scholz - have held a joint press conference on the European Security in Berlin. Watch the video to know more.

Olaf Scholz, Rishi Sunak deliver joint press conference; Sunak to discuss European security, Ukraine

Russia has recognized rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine as independent republics. How will this move affect European security? Can NATO and Russia reach some sort of middle ground? Watch WION's interview with Estonia's former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Estonia's Ex-President speaks to WION | How will Putin's moves in Ukraine affect European security?