German Institute Warns of New Russian Hybrid Threats to Critical Infrastructure
The German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) has identified a new and evolving form of security threat from Russia, characterized by the use of 'one-time agents' for hybrid operations. Dr. Julian Pawlak, an analyst at SWP, notes that Russia is moving away from relying solely on trained intelligence officers, instead employing petty criminals and private individuals who are paid for specific actions and often unaware of their ultimate sponsors. These agents are tasked with carrying out acts of sabotage, particularly targeting critical infrastructure such as railway and energy systems. Recent incidents in Germany, including two sabotage acts near the Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant and a possible attempt near a key power station in Bergheim, along with an explosion at Augsburg station and an unsuccessful sabotage attempt at Leipzig airport, are cited as examples of this new pattern. The German government has attributed the Leipzig airport incident to Russia. This shift in tactics make... 
