European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech during her annual keynote address at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France on September 16, 2026.
Video Duration 28 minutes 10 seconds 28:10

European leaders accuse Russia of hybrid warfare.

There are multiple attacks on multiple fronts, but no one is calling it “war”.

Europe says it is facing wide-ranging attacks, from explosive-laden drones and sabotage to political meddling and cyber targeting.

It blames Russia as its war with Ukraine drags on. But Russia denies the allegations.

So how is a “hybrid war” different from military conflict? And how do countries fight back?

Presenter: Rob Matheson

Guests:

Patrick Bury – Defence and security specialist at the University of Bath

Pavel Felgenhauer – Russian defence and foreign policy analyst

Wolfgang Pusztai – Security policy and defence analyst