Russia has seen a series of drone-based and terrorist attacks that have raised security concerns, while southern Europe endures its worst wildfire season ever as scorching heatwaves cause widespread devastation.
Recent Attacks across Russia Have Been Confirmed.
Operation Spiderweb: On 1 June 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted an operation called Operation Spiderweb against five Russian air bases–Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya and Ukrainka–using 117 drones deployed for this mission that damaged or destroyed around 20 Russian military aircraft, at least 10 being confirmed as destroyed by Russian authorities themselves.
Mass Terrorist Incidents in Russia: Since 2008, several high-casualty attacks have struck Russian territory with devastating outcomes.
In March 2024, Islamic State-Khorasan Province operatives staged a deadly shooting, bombing, and arson assault at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk that left approximately 149 dead and 600+ injured.
Wikipedia June 2024 was marked by coordinated mass shootings and arson attacks across Derbent and Makhachkala in Dagestan. These attacks targeted churches, synagogues, and police posts; ultimately leading to 22-27 fatalities including police personnel as well as civilians; plus numerous injuries.
Wikipedia (+1)Wikipedia These incidents demonstrate both the increasing sophistication of drone warfare as well as ongoing terrorist threats in Russia.
Tracking Hot Spots of Europe’s Wildfire Emergencies
As reported by the EU Science Hub’s wildfire data, Europe has experienced approximately 439,568 hectares burned so far this year–more than double what was burned over this same time last year (188,643). Furthermore, detected fires increased to 1,628, up from just 1,089. These fires generated 14.11 million tonnes of CO emissions–far exceeding those from 2024.
Public International Law & Policy Group and JRC: EU Science Hub have reported today on widespread wildfires raging through southern Europe, with an estimated total area burned of 440,000 ha across Europe – twice what would normally have burned since 2006. Fires have devastated homes, tourist spots, infrastructure facilities, and infrastructure throughout this part of Europe.
KnowHow’s +13 rating from Reuters was awarded this week.
Greece, Spain and Portugal continue their intense firefighting efforts. Greece faces widespread evacuations in Patras region while Spain reports multiple fatalities including volunteer firefighters as well as arrests on suspicion of arson. EU has provided civil protection support as well as aerial firefighting assets to assist these nations in fighting fires.
The Scottish Sun, AP News and Reuters highlight its unprecedented scale: over 400,000 hectares have burned during the first seven months, which is 87% above their 20-year average. Entire holiday hotspots have been devastated, prompting evacuations and changes in tourist behavior.
Financial Times reports raging wildfires near capitals like Madrid and Athens. To date, 1,600 fires have scorched more than 410,000 hectares; EU firefighting assistance deployment is active with two volunteer firefighters being killed near Madrid as well as one civilian near Madrid.
Financial Times >> Here
Russia is struggling with both advanced drone raids and horrific terrorist strikes, exposing vulnerabilities within air defenses and domestic security. Meanwhile, Europe is dealing with an unprecedented wildfire season caused by heatwaves, dehydration and climate instability – forcing thousands to relocate while ecosystems and economies suffer as a result.
As both crises play out simultaneously, they underscore how security and environmental resilience have become intertwined global priorities.