European Leaders Address Escalating Russian Hybrid Warfare & Oil Export Pressure
european nations are facing a heightened state of alert as reports of Russian hybrid warfare tactics-including drone incursions, sabotage, and airspace violations-increase across the continent. Denmark’s Prime Minister mette Frederiksen stated at an EU summit on Wednesday that “All European countries were affected by the ‘Russian hybrid war’,” noting recent incidents in Poland and Denmark, and predicting further potential sabotage or drone activity. Frederiksen described the current situation as “the most difficult and perilous situation as the second world war.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these concerns, pointing to a pattern of activity originating from Russia, specifically citing drone incidents in Poland and Russian fighter jet violations of Estonian airspace, characterizing these as attempts ”to test us.” The Commission has proposed two urgent plans: a “drone wall” for detection and interception, and a comprehensive “eastern flank watch” system to bolster defenses across land, air, and sea.
Meanwhile, G7 finance ministers have committed to intensifying pressure on countries increasing purchases of Russian oil following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They are also considering trade measures and restrictions against entities financing Russia’s war efforts, including those dealing in refined Russian oil products.
France’s military detained two individuals aboard the oil tanker Boracay, identified as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” following its boarding last week. The detention occurred after the crew’s “failure to justify the nationality of the vessel” and “refusal to cooperate,” according to French prosecutors. The Boracay was one of four Russia-linked vessels near Denmark during recent, unexplained drone sightings on September 22 and 24, which led to temporary airport closures.The kremlin stated it had no details regarding the tanker or the incident.
