Sweden’s military intelligence chief Thomas Nilsson has warned that the country faces a high level of threat from Russian hybrid warfare, particularly against efforts supporting Ukraine.
Speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT, Nilsson said Russia was using sophisticated hybrid tactics against NATO members, including Sweden, with the goal of creating fear, dividing allied countries and reducing their willingness to support Ukraine.
His warning followed a meeting of Sweden’s National Security Council concerning an explosives-equipped drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany in August. German authorities have linked the incident to Russia. Nilsson described the case as a hybrid attack and said the presence of explosives suggested that the drone may have been intended to cause an explosion.
Sweden is now taking precautionary measures to protect operations connected to its assistance for Ukraine, including activities involving private businesses. Nilsson said these companies could also become targets.
Although Sweden is not currently viewed as a main target, he cautioned that Russia could change its priorities quickly and begin selecting targets within Sweden. He identified Germany, Poland and the Baltic states as the primary targets of Russian hybrid activities.
The warning came shortly after Denmark’s intelligence agency reported that Russia may be preparing sabotage operations against the Danish defense sector, especially companies involved in supporting Ukraine. Russian intelligence agents were reportedly approaching Danish citizens to photograph warehouses, track factory shipments or conduct arson attacks.
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