Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
The article explores the rising tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly focusing on recent incidents of explosive sabotage claimed to be linked to Russian operations. Highlighting the gravity of these events, particularly in the UK and Germany, it details how such actions may signify a new phase in Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, characterized by a blend of cyber and physical threats. The motivations behind this calculated escalation and its implications for international safety and security are examined, revealing a complex interplay of power dynamics.
In a chilling escalation of tensions between Russia and the West, recent explosive sabotage incidents have sparked a fierce investigation in Britain. The British anti-terror police are scrutinising a deadly fire in a DHL logistics warehouse in Birmingham, attributed to potential Russian intrigue. An airborne package ignited dramatically, signalling a near-catastrophe that loomed ominously over the skies above England, echoing reminders of the lurking dangers associated with hybrid warfare.
This alarming development aligns closely with an earlier incident in Leipzig, Germany, where an explosive device secretly primed within a parcel caused a furious blaze just before being loaded onto a DHL cargo aircraft. German intelligence has confirmed that fate intervened – a delay saved lives, as the flames erupted merely moments before takeoff. Thomas Haldenwang, the German internal security chief, emphasised how luck played a crucial role in preventing a disaster.
The attribution of such sabotage acts to Russia intensifies the already fraught relationships with Western powers. Following a surge of cyber attacks and malicious information campaigns early in the conflict, there has been a tangible shift towards more direct physical threats, particularly targeting military establishments across Europe. The dazzling shadow of Russian hostility now includes unnoticed fires erupting in warehouses, a tactic that appears to be a calculated show of strength while maintaining a careful restraint on civilian casualties.
European security sources speculate that the Russians possess the means to escalate their tactics further, opting instead for a strategy that applies strategic pressure without crossing certain lines. This measured increase in destructive behaviour is viewed with a sense of foreboding, heightening fears of potential targeted assassinations and more aggressive actions. The delicate balance of fear and intrigue hangs in the air, as the West braces for the next ripple of Russia’s shadowy manoeuvres.
