Sweden: Sweden faces a 'high threat' linked to Russian hybrid warfare targeting support for Ukraine, the head of the country's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST) said on Thursday. Thomas Nilsson stated that Russia is conducting advanced hybrid warfare against NATO countries, including Sweden, with the aim of creating insecurity, dividing allies, and weakening their support for Ukraine.

According to Anadolu Agency, Nilsson emphasized that Russia's strategy involves making allies insecure, dividing them, and stopping their support for Ukraine. He made these remarks to the Swedish public broadcaster SVT following a meeting of Sweden's National Security Council. The council convened to discuss an explosive-laden drone discovered at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, an incident German authorities attributed to Russia.

Nilsson described the drone incident as a hybrid attack that escalated the threat to a 'more dangerous level.' He explained that the presence of explosives on the drone suggested an intention for it to detonate. In response, Sweden is implementing protective measures to safeguard activities related to its support for Ukraine, which includes private companies and other entities.

Despite Sweden not currently being a primary target, Nilsson warned that Russia could quickly shift its focus and begin identifying targets within the country. He pointed out that Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states are currently the main targets of Russian hybrid operations.

The warning from Sweden's intelligence chief follows a statement from Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service. The Danish service reported that Russia was preparing sabotage operations against Denmark's defense industry, specifically targeting companies connected to Copenhagen's military support for Ukraine. Russian intelligence services have allegedly approached Danish citizens with offers to undertake activities such as photographing warehouses, monitoring factory deliveries, or conducting arson attacks.