4. Escalating Hybrid Warfare In Europe: ANATOL LIEVEN 090326

CAPTION 1903 BRUSSELSEscalating Hybrid Warfare In EuropeAnatol Lieven reports tensions flaring as rumors of discrete diplomatic missions and allegations of Russian hybrid warfare circulate in Europe. The Wall Street Journal reported a secret CIA meeting in Moscow to warn against attacking NATO, while Germany accused Russia of directing an armed drone at Leipzig airport. British cruise missiles striking Russian soil risk triggering severe Russian retaliation, a dangerous escalation that Cold War standards would have deemed insane. Domestically, newly appointed Prime Minister Burnham remains politically constrained, caught between calls for increased military spending and a split public, complicating Britain's international standing. (4)