German General warns of Russian hybrid attacks against NATO

German military official General Karsten Breuer has warned that Russia is conducting daily hybrid attacks against NATO member states, particularly along the Alliance’s eastern flank. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Breuer stated that Russia is systematically using drones to test European anti-aircraft defenses and identify vulnerabilities to exploit in a potential future conflict.

Breuer noted that while continuing its war in Ukraine, Russia is simultaneously restructuring its economy and military to prepare for a broader confrontation with the West. This assessment serves as the foundation for Germany’s new military strategy—the first of its kind since World War II—and is driving a major reorganization of the Bundeswehr to transform it into a combat-ready force.

The warnings follow a recent incident in eastern Germany where authorities intercepted a drone carrying explosives near a Ukrainian transport aircraft at an airport. The German Interior Minister described the incident as representing ‘a new level of risk’ as investigations into the drone's origin continue.