NATO countries are reporting a surge in drone incursions and suspected hybrid warfare activities amid growing tensions with Russia. European governments have raised concerns about covert operations, cyber threats, infrastructure sabotage, and surveillance efforts targeting strategic assets. As security agencies investigate a series of incidents, the debate over Russia's alleged hybrid warfare strategy is intensifying.

Putin warns UK over support to Ukraine: Russia-NATO flashpoint

Russia appears to be preparing another test of Burevestnik, its nuclear-powered cruise missile with potentially near-unlimited range. Well this comes days after renewed attention on the Poseidon underwater nuclear weapon, Moscow is showcasing two radically different ways of delivering a strategic strike, raising fresh questions for NATO. This story explains what exactly is Burevestnik missile, what are its capabilities and why it is called a doomsday missile.


Putin's nuclear double threat: poseidon underwater monster & burevestnik unstoppable atomic missile

NATO countries are reporting a surge in drone incursions and suspected hybrid warfare activities amid growing tensions with Russia. European governments have raised concerns about covert operations, cyber threats, infrastructure sabotage, and surveillance efforts targeting strategic assets. As security agencies investigate a series of incidents, the debate over Russia's alleged hybrid warfare strategy is intensifying.


Russia's alleged hybrid warfare raises tensions across European capitals

The rivalry between Russia and NATO has entered a new phase, and this time, it goes beyond the realm of conventional warfare. European countries are accusing Moscow of unleashing hybrid warfare — a tactic that combines limited kinetic action with non-kinetic operations such as cyberattacks, disinformation and economic coercion to destabilise an adversary without triggering a full-scale open war.The United States has reportedly also focused on the issue. According to reports published in the US media, the chief of America's external intelligence agency warned Moscow against attacking NATO countries. The warning raised concerns about the possibility of a limited Russian military venture aimed at testing NATO's resolve. However, Moscow has rejected these claims. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed them as "scare stories" that have nothing to do with reality and instead accused European countries of pursuing an aggressive policy towards Russia.Concerns over Russia's alleged hybrid warfare tactics have intensified in recent months. Since March, several drones have entered NATO airspace across the Baltic region. Russia has reportedly been accused of steering Ukrainian drones towards NATO territory by manipulating satellite navigation signals and feeding them false target coordinates. According to Lithuania's defence minister, Moscow is also weighing a potential false-flag operation using captured Ukrainian drones to strike critical infrastructure in the Baltic region.Incidents that European countries describe as hybrid attacks have also increased across the continent. Poland said it thwarted an attempted assassination of a US citizen, while Estonia accused Moscow of being behind a fire at a drone manufacturing facility. In May, a drone struck an apartment building in Romania. Most recently, Germany discovered an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig Airport. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said those responsible for hybrid attacks would "pay the price."In the latest diplomatic pushback, Hungary has classified Russia as a threat. New Prime Minister Peter Magyar is seeking to rewrite Hungary's ties with Moscow, with new policy documents stating that Russia's behaviour poses a threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order.European countries have also accused Russia of election interference. The allegations, involving major NATO members such as France, Germany and Poland, include attempts to influence public opinion, electronic warfare, covert operations and cyberattacks.Europe appears to have adopted a cautious and defensive stance, as Russia's alleged hybrid warfare activities have so far fallen short of the threshold for triggering NATO's mutual defence clause. Under US President Donald Trump's presidency, this has left European nations scrambling to strengthen their own defences while taking a primary role in supporting Ukraine's war effort against Russia.Russia maintains that Europe is pushing for war rather than peace. European countries, on the other hand, argue that supporting Ukraine's defence is ultimately part of defending Europe itself.&nbsp;

Russia-NATO tensions are entering a new phase as European nations accuse Moscow of using cyberattacks, disinformation, drones and covert operations.

The rivalry between Russia and NATO has entered a new phase, and this time, it goes beyond the realm of conventional warfare. European countries are accusing Moscow of unleashing hybrid warfare — a tactic that combines limited kinetic action with non-kinetic operations such as cyberattacks, disinformation and economic coercion to destabilise an adversary without triggering a full-scale open war. The United States has reportedly also focused on the issue. According to reports published in the US media, the chief of America's external intelligence agency warned Moscow against attacking NATO countries. The warning raised concerns about the possibility of a limited Russian military venture aimed at testing NATO's resolve. However, Moscow has rejected these claims. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed them as "scare stories" that have nothing to do with reality and instead accused European countries of pursuing an aggressive policy towards Russia. Concerns over Russia's alleged hybrid warfare tactics have intensified in recent months. Since March, several drones have entered NATO airspace across the Baltic region. Russia has reportedly been accused of steering Ukrainian drones towards NATO territory by manipulating satellite navigation signals and feeding them false target coordinates. According to Lithuania's defence minister, Moscow is also weighing a potential false-flag operation using captured Ukrainian drones to strike critical infrastructure in the Baltic region. Incidents that European countries describe as hybrid attacks have also increased across the continent. Poland said it thwarted an attempted assassination of a US citizen, while Estonia accused Moscow of being behind a fire at a drone manufacturing facility. In May, a drone struck an apartment building in Romania. Most recently, Germany discovered an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig Airport. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said those responsible for hybrid attacks would "pay the price." In the latest diplomatic pushback, Hungary has classified Russia as a threat. New Prime Minister Peter Magyar is seeking to rewrite Hungary's ties with Moscow, with new policy documents stating that Russia's behaviour poses a threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order. European countries have also accused Russia of election interference. The allegations, involving major NATO members such as France, Germany and Poland, include attempts to influence public opinion, electronic warfare, covert operations and cyberattacks. Europe appears to have adopted a cautious and defensive stance, as Russia's alleged hybrid warfare activities have so far fallen short of the threshold for triggering NATO's mutual defence clause. Under US President Donald Trump's presidency, this has left European nations scrambling to strengthen their own defences while taking a primary role in supporting Ukraine's war effort against Russia. Russia maintains that Europe is pushing for war rather than peace. European countries, on the other hand, argue that supporting Ukraine's defence is ultimately part of defending Europe itself.

Russia-NATO tensions are entering a new phase as European nations accuse Moscow of using cyberattacks, disinformation, drones and covert operations.

The Verdict | How Moscow’s alleged hybrid warfare is challenging Europe

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that the UK and France bear “direct responsibility” for any Ukrainian attacks carried out on Russian territory. She warned that Russia could retaliate against British Military targets inside and outside Ukraine in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russia using British missiles.“It’s clear that by transferring so-called assembly functions to the Ukrainians, London and Paris are frantically trying to absolve themselves of responsibility for carrying out strikes deep into our country’s territory.”&nbsp;This comes after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced earlier this week that the UK government will release the blueprints of the British-made component for the Scalp missile, a French version of the UK’s Storm Shadow cruise missile, allowing Ukraine to work with France to produce its own version. Russia said that the UK and France that they are “playing with fire” by handing over sensitive missile technologies to Ukraine.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-arrested-us-capitol-guillotine-pickup-truck-1787767233332">Man arrested near US Capitol with guillotine in pickup truck: What happened?</a>"It won’t work. You in Paris, London, Berlin, and other capitals bear direct responsibility for participating in terrorist attacks,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova as reported by TASS news agency.&nbsp;She also criticised Berlin, saying that it “dreams of creating the strongest army in Europe" and that the UK and France are transferring technology to Zelensky. She said these three countries s were “fuelling and stoking the Ukrainian crisis.”

Russia’s Maria Zakharova warns the UK and France of retaliation over Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles and technology. 

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that the UK and France bear “direct responsibility” for any Ukrainian attacks carried out on Russian territory. She warned that Russia could retaliate against British Military targets inside and outside Ukraine in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russia using British missiles. “It’s clear that by transferring so-called assembly functions to the Ukrainians, London and Paris are frantically trying to absolve themselves of responsibility for carrying out strikes deep into our country’s territory.” This comes after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced earlier this week that the UK government will release the blueprints of the British-made component for the Scalp missile, a French version of the UK’s Storm Shadow cruise missile, allowing Ukraine to work with France to produce its own version. Russia said that the UK and France that they are “playing with fire” by handing over sensitive missile technologies to Ukraine. Also Read: Man arrested near US Capitol with guillotine in pickup truck: What happened? "It won’t work. You in Paris, London, Berlin, and other capitals bear direct responsibility for participating in terrorist attacks,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova as reported by TASS news agency. She also criticised Berlin, saying that it “dreams of creating the strongest army in Europe" and that the UK and France are transferring technology to Zelensky. She said these three countries s were “fuelling and stoking the Ukrainian crisis.”

Russia’s Maria Zakharova warns the UK and France of retaliation over Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles and technology.

Russia warns UK of targetting British military assets over strikes on Russia using British missiles

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has reportedly travelled to Moscow for meetings, in what is believed to be his first known trip to Russia since taking charge of the agency. U.S. media reports say Ratcliffe travelled via Latvia aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, which landed at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. The CIA, Pentagon and Kremlin have not publicly confirmed the purpose of the visit. The trip comes as U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace efforts remain stalled and tensions over Iran add another layer to Washington-Moscow relations.

US-Russia: Trump downplays CIA director's Moscow visit 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting the state authority to temporarily take control of critical infrastructure deemed inadequately protected from Ukrainian attacks. The move comes as Ukrainian drone strikes increasingly target Russian oil facilities, logistics hubs, warehouses and industrial sites deep inside Russia. Under the decree, authorities can intervene if private operators fail to secure facilities or are slow to repair damage. The Kremlin insists the measure is not nationalisation but a wartime mechanism aimed at protecting assets considered vital to Russia's security and economic stability.


Putin's new decree allows state takeover of damaged infrastructure in Ukrainian attacks 

What prompted CIA chief John Ratcliffe's visit to Russia?

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has reportedly travelled to Moscow for meetings, in what is believed to be his first known trip to Russia since taking charge of the agency. U.S. media reports say Ratcliffe travelled via Latvia aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, which landed at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. The CIA, Pentagon and Kremlin have not publicly confirmed the purpose of the visit. The trip comes as U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace efforts remain stalled and tensions over Iran add another layer to Washington-Moscow relations.


CIA chief John Ratcliffe in Russia: Agenda remains unclear

Russia launched around 150 drones, Iskander-M ballistic missile and a Kh-31P missile at Ukraine overnight on August 25, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Kyiv says 124 drones were destroyed or jammed, while impacts were recorded at multiple locations.  
At the same time, Russia is advancing its strategic underwater weapons programme. The nuclear-powered Khabarovsk submarine has entered sea trials and is designed to carry Poseidon underwater drones. Poseidon is a nuclear-powered autonomous underwater vehicle intended to deliver nuclear weapons against distant naval or coastal targets.  
The developments come as Ukraine continues to face a shortage of Patriot interceptors and presses Western allies for additional air-defence systems. Kyiv is also intensifying long-range attacks against Russian energy infrastructure, including the reported strike on the Afipsky refinery.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia launches nuclear-capable missile strike on Ukrainian targets

Russia fires nuke-capable missiles, Ukraine's military hubs destroyed

Western allies assembled in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day to vow continued military and financial backing against escalating Russian attacks.

Russia-Ukraine war: Western allies assemble in Kyiv, vow to support war efforts 

Ukraine is expanding its drone campaign deep inside Russian territory, highlighting how unmanned systems are transforming modern warfare. Long-range drones are increasingly being used to strike military infrastructure, logistics hubs, and strategic targets far from the frontlines, changing the nature of battlefield engagement. The conflict has become a testing ground for next-generation drone tactics, electronic warfare, and precision strikes. As both Kyiv and Moscow invest heavily in drone technology, military analysts say the war is offering a glimpse into the future of global conflict. What does Ukraine’s expanding drone strategy mean for Russia and for warfare worldwide?


Ukraine takes drone war deep into Russia: New weapon of modern warfare

Russia has successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1B carrier rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, placing a classified military satellite into orbit. The launch was conducted by Russia's Defence Ministry, which did not disclose details about the satellite's mission or capabilities. The launch comes amid heightened scrutiny of Russia's military space programme as the war in Ukraine increasingly extends into the space and strategic domains. The Soyuz-2.1B remains one of Russia's most important launch vehicles for military and government space missions.

 Russia launches rocket carrying military satellite into orbit

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit Kyiv, where Britain is expected to deepen its military support for Ukraine. The UK plans to share the blueprint for its SCALP cruise missile, potentially allowing Ukraine to strengthen its domestic weapons production capabilities. Russia has accused Britain of escalating the conflict and “adding fuel to the fire.” The move comes as the war enters another tense phase, with Western allies weighing greater military support for Kyiv.


Russia-Ukraine war: UK to share scalp missile blueprint with Ukraine

Amid U.S. unveiling its major economic sanctions on Iran, China expressed its displeasure and called for a return to talks. While Trump claimed that Iran is 'completely collapsing', Tehran has threatened to shut down all oil exports from West Asia.

US-Iran war: China 'Trumps' Trump on Iran Sanctions, Calls for Return to Talks

It's a dangerous escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia has reportedly launched a fresh wave of attacks on European armaments factories to test NATO's resolve.
As the UK PM's move to hand over missile blueprints to Ukraine triggers a major escalation, where are things headed?

Russia's secret war spreads across Europe: weapons factories targeted, UK gives missile tech to Kyiv

Russia on Sunday claimed that Su-35s have struck a US-made Patriot Defence system within Ukrainian territory. A Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile supposedly struck a Ukrainian MIM-104 Patriot long-range air defence system from about 125 kms away. The attack was carried out on August 23 at the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The claim is yet to be confirmed by Ukraine, and the extent of damage at the target is disputed. Some reports have described it as a separate radar station instead of a Patriot component.According to Military Watch magazine, Russian Forces have released footage showing a Su-35 launching the missile at what they identified as components of a Ukrainian Patriot system. The claim that it was struck from 125 kms comes from the target range indicator displayed on the Su-35’s Head-Up Display (HUD) in the leaked or released cockpit video. The claim comes as Ukraine is experiencing a severe shortage of Patriot missile defence systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been intensely lobbying Western allies for access to deeper US stockpiles and hundreds of additional interceptors.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/revanth-reddy-returns-hyderabad-mea-denies-us-visit-clearance-1787578195030">'Insult' to 4 crore people of Telangana: Why CM Revanth Reddy's US visit clearance was denied</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Su-35S firing Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile at the Patriot SAM. According to the target range cue, the missile was fired from ~125 km. Due to the dynamic launch zone, minimum launch range is ~55 km. There is no mark showing maximum launch range, so it can be 200 km or above. <a href="https://t.co/q6DZ6r4alr">pic.twitter.com/q6DZ6r4alr</a>&mdash; Flanker (@Su_35S_Flanker) <a href="https://x.com/Su_35S_Flanker/status/2090848550527603059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why is the Kh- 31PM missile lethal?</h2>Russia deployed the Kh-31PM, a high-speed, anti-radiation missile (ARM) explicitly engineered to target and home in on enemy radar emissions. It does not transmit a radar signal to find its target, which is a major advantage. An aircraft launching a conventional active-radar missile must potentially expose itself to lock on to the target, but an ARM uses electromagnetic radiation from enemy radar systems.The missile has a minimum range of 55 kms to a maximum range of 300 kms. The missile is an upgrade of the Soviet-era Kh-31P. It retains the high speed and improves the seeker and propulsion system. It has a top speed of Mach 4 and uses a solid-fuel rocket booster to accelerate rapidly after launch; then the booster is discarded, and a ramjet sustainer takes over. This gives the missile a high-speed thrust, making it extremely hard to intercept.&nbsp;

Russia claims a Su-35 fighter jet struck a US-made Patriot air defence system in Odesa with a Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile from around 125 km away.

Russia on Sunday claimed that Su-35s have struck a US-made Patriot Defence system within Ukrainian territory. A Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile supposedly struck a Ukrainian MIM-104 Patriot long-range air defence system from about 125 kms away. The attack was carried out on August 23 at the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The claim is yet to be confirmed by Ukraine, and the extent of damage at the target is disputed. Some reports have described it as a separate radar station instead of a Patriot component. According to Military Watch magazine, Russian Forces have released footage showing a Su-35 launching the missile at what they identified as components of a Ukrainian Patriot system. The claim that it was struck from 125 kms comes from the target range indicator displayed on the Su-35’s Head-Up Display (HUD) in the leaked or released cockpit video. The claim comes as Ukraine is experiencing a severe shortage of Patriot missile defence systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been intensely lobbying Western allies for access to deeper US stockpiles and hundreds of additional interceptors. Also Read: 'Insult' to 4 crore people of Telangana: Why CM Revanth Reddy's US visit clearance was denied

Russia claims a Su-35 fighter jet struck a US-made Patriot air defence system in Odesa with a Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile from around 125 km away.

Russia claims Su-35 struck US-made Patriot system with Kh-31PM missile from 125 km away

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he expects to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. During a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Moscow, Putin also praised Modi’s role in strengthening India-Russia ties and offered to increase uninterrupted fertiliser supplies to support Indian farmers

Putin confirms meeting with PM Modi, pledges more fertiliser for India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to Moscow for a two-day visit, co-chairing the 27th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission with First Deputy PM Denis Manturov, and holding talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on regional and global issues. The visit comes as India prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for his expected visit next month around the BRICS Summit.


Breaking: Jaishankar meets Putin in Moscow ahead of his expected India visit for BRICS

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged fresh waves of attacks as the war enters another intense phase. Russian officials say a Ukrainian strike killed two people in the Krasnodar region, while Ukraine continues to face mounting pressure from missile and drone attacks. With air defence resources running low, Kyiv's allies are gathering to discuss additional military support. The crisis comes as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to visit Kyiv on his first foreign trip, signalling continued British backing for Ukraine.


Russia-Ukraine trade strikes: Kyiv seeks more air defence support

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of opening a “Pandora’s box” by targeting Russian economic infrastructure with drone strikes. Putin warned that Moscow would retaliate against Ukraine’s “most sensitive economic sectors” as Kyiv steps up attacks on oil refineries, warehouses and other infrastructure linked to Russia’s war effort.

Russia-Ukraine war: at least 13 killed in Ukraine & Russia following overnight strikes 

Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 130. The strike reportedly hit the city’s largest shopping complex, sparking a major fire as the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia strikes busy shopping centre in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih, leaves 16 dead

Ukrainian military intelligence says Russia has received North Korean KN-30 ballistic missiles, an upgraded Hwasong-11C system capable, according to Ukrainian claims, of carrying a warhead weighing up to 2,500 kilograms. The reported transfer has not been officially confirmed by Moscow or Pyongyang.  The development comes after one of the deadliest recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, with at least 16 people killed and dozens wounded. Ukraine's shortage of Patriot interceptors is making the defence of Ukrainian cities increasingly difficult, particularly against ballistic missiles. With Russia continuing its missile campaign and Ukraine carrying out deep drone strikes against Russian targets, the war is becoming an increasingly intense cycle of long-range attack and retaliation.


Kyiv claims Russia using monster 2,500 kg warhead Korean missile

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims russia using monster 2,500 kg warhead Korean missile

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited the historic Donskoy Monastery in Moscow to pay his respects at the final resting place of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy.


Putin inspects warrior prince Donskoy's tomb in Moscow

Russia has intensified ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing 16 people and injuring 30, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine's depleted air defences reportedly failed to intercept any incoming missiles, exposing a critical shortage of Patriot interceptors. Zelenskyy is urging the U.S. and other allies to provide more ammunition as Russian strikes continue.


Russa-Ukraine war: Moscow's forces intensify ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged some of the deadliest attacks in weeks. Kyiv came under a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and drones, while a Russian drone strike on a civilian minibus in Kherson killed four people. In Zhytomyr, two police officers were killed and at least 20 people were injured. At the same time, deadly drone attacks were reported inside Russia, showing how the war is now reaching deeper into both countries. Here's everything you need to know about the latest escalation.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow unleashes massive missile & drone blitz as Kyiv burns

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged some of the deadliest attacks in weeks. Kyiv came under a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and drones, while a Russian drone strike on a civilian minibus in Kherson killed four people. In Zhytomyr, two police officers were killed and at least 20 people were injured. At the same time, deadly drone attacks were reported inside Russia, showing how the war is now reaching deeper into both countries. Here's everything you need to know about the latest escalation.


Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow's forces intensify ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv 

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow unleashes massive missile & drone blitz as Kyiv burns, death toll rises

Russia is deploying fast-moving jet-powered drones in a new challenge for Ukraine’s air defences. The weapons can travel faster than conventional drones, potentially reducing reaction time for Ukrainian forces and complicating interception efforts. As Moscow expands its drone arsenal, can Ukraine adapt its defences to counter this emerging threat? WION Pulse tracks the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.


Russia's new jet drones are stretching Ukraine's defences

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