The US-Iran conflict has entered a complex phase focusing on hybrid warfare and internal destabilization rather than direct military defeat, according to Russian expert Oleg Akulinichev.
Greece faces new challenges balancing support for Ukraine with protecting its economy, encountering EU sanctions hurdles over Russian LNG shipping and security concerns after a Ukrainian drone incident. The country is providing aid and reconstruction support but remains cautious due to potential Russian hybrid warfare.
Russia's permanent representative to the OSCE, Dmitry Polyansky, stated that European nations are openly preparing for conflict with Russia and have effectively launched a hybrid war against it, citing militarization and economic reorientation towards war footing.
2026 has seen a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks, impacting critical infrastructure, government agencies, and private companies. From massive data breaches like DOGE's alleged Social Security database leak to targeted attacks on water systems and energy grids, the year highlights the growing threat of digital warfare and ransomware.
Albania's 'Flamingo Revolution' protests, sparked by a luxury tourism project in Zvernec, have evolved into broad demands for PM Edi Rama's resignation, with Rama attributing the unrest to 'hybrid war' and external influences, while analysts see echoes of communist-era tactics and a deeper democratic crisis.
Albania's "Flamingo Revolution" protests, ongoing for over three weeks, began over a luxury tourism project in a protected area and escalated to demand PM Edi Rama's resignation. Rama attributes the unrest to a "hybrid war" involving external actors like Jared Kushner and Iran, while critics point to domestic grievances and a crisis of Albania's democratic model.
Taiwan's National Security Institute deputy secretary-general Ho Cheng-hui stated China is increasingly using "hybrid warfare" and grey-zone tactics, like coast guard deployments and legal claims, to pressure Taiwan instead of direct military confrontation. He urged Taiwan to adopt "absolute transparency" similar to the Philippines to counter Beijing's narrative.
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) revealed Russia is expanding "Russian Houses" in 8 African nations, alongside arms supplies, as part of a hybrid warfare strategy targeting youth. These centers, run by Rossotrudnichestvo and linked to Wagner/Africa Corps, promote Russian culture and language but also recruit for military service, with some Africans ending up on front lines in Ukraine.
Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt opened a new hybrid warfare center in Berlin, citing a "Russian threat" and "foreign powers" engaging in espionage, sabotage, and disinformation. The center aims for "active cyber defense." Meanwhile, the Federal Prosecutor General criticized its creation due to overlapping functions with existing centers.
Russia is reportedly preparing to launch a new phase of its hybrid warfare against the West, utilizing international law as a weapon. This "legal warfare," previously employed against Ukraine, is set to be intensified and expanded globally, according to Latvian intelligence.
On the third day of the TECH conference, the CTO of Hypo called for a Euro-pegged stablecoin, while Estonia's Digital Minister warned of a "hybrid war."
Estonia stores critical citizen data in a secure 'digital embassy' in Luxembourg, protected from cyberattacks and physical threats. Other countries, including Monaco and potentially Ukraine, are following suit amid rising security concerns post-Russia's Ukraine invasion.
Lithuania is on high alert for cyber attacks following a massive data leak of over 600,000 entries from national registers, suspected to be the work of a foreign country, possibly Russia. Cybersecurity measures have been implemented, and officials warn of potential espionage against intelligence officers, military, and diplomats.
Europe is discussing potential envoys for future peace talks with Russia, including Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi, and Sauli Niinistö. This discussion, though premature, highlights Europe's increasing leverage in the Ukraine war as US support wanes and Ukraine's domestic defense industry grows.
Russia's Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexander Venediktov stated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has become a legal tool of hybrid warfare, and its officials should be prosecuted under national criminal law. This will be discussed at a security forum in Russia.
Russia's deputy Foreign Ministry official Kirill Sapozhenkov states the West's hybrid war against Russia has strengthened ties with Muslim countries, aiming for strategic, equal partnerships.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko accused the West of waging a political, diplomatic, and psychological war against Russia in the Balkans to contain Russian influence. In an interview with Vesti, he stated that Western governments are spreading false narratives about Russia's presence in the region, claiming it would spell the end of the EU. Grushko emphasized that Russia has been present in the Balkans for centuries and will remain, noting that history, geography, traditions, and sympathies cannot be changed.
Iranian intelligence is allegedly using criminal intermediaries to recruit teenagers for low-level hybrid warfare attacks across Europe and the UK, targeting Jewish community sites and US interests to sow discord and anxiety.
