German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful delivered a sharp statement at a United Nations Security Council meeting, saying that Russia's hybrid attacks against European countries supporting Ukraine have reached a qualitatively new level. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the dpa news agency. According to the head of the German Foreign Ministry, Berlin views what is happening not as isolated incidents, but as a systematic strategy of escalation aimed at destabilizing the entire European space.
Terrorist Attempt at Leipzig Airport
As a key example, Wadeful cited the incident at Leipzig airport in early August 2026. According to him, Russia attempted to blow up two Ukrainian cargo aircraft using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with an explosive. "This is not a single case of reckless and dangerous escalation by Russia in Europe, and we must not forget that the consequences of this war are felt around the world," the minister emphasized. He also pointed out that attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure make it impossible to export Ukrainian grain, which, in his words, "intensifies hunger and food shortages worldwide."
CIA Warning About the 'Web' Operation
The context of Wadeful's statement gains particular sharpness against the backdrop of a previously published warning from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. According to CIA data transmitted to European capitals, Russia is preparing an operation against European countries similar to Ukraine's 'Web' operation. According to intelligence, potential targets could be Mediterranean states. It is assumed that Russia intends to use drones disguised inside shipping containers, launched directly from the sea. The main weapon under consideration is the 'Gerber' type drone, which, according to Kyiv, Russia uses daily to strike Ukrainian territory. Spain, France, and Italy are mentioned among the possible targets.
NATO's Response and Lithuanian Intelligence
NATO previously stated its full readiness to respond to any provocations and attacks by Russia. An Alliance general emphasized that the organization is prepared to counter potential escalation on Europe's eastern flank. Meanwhile, Lithuania reported receiving intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing operations "under a false flag." According to the Vilnius side, such actions may be aimed at testing combat readiness and NATO's response mechanisms in the event of a hybrid attack.
Call for a Ceasefire and Negotiations
Concluding his speech at the UN Security Council, Wadeful once again called for a full and immediate ceasefire, as well as an exchange of prisoners of war. "We need a return to negotiations in good faith, based on the principles of international law, that pave the way to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. Ukraine is ready. We, the Europeans, are ready, and Germany is ready to make its contribution to a peaceful settlement that we desperately need," the minister stated. His words came against the backdrop of ongoing sanctions pressure: Wadeful had previously reported that new restrictive measures significantly reduce Russia's capabilities on German territory.
