NATO mulls over a 'stronger' reaction to Russia's hybrid threats

Tensions between NATO and Russia escalated on Monday after the alliances top military official indicated that member nations are debating whether a more assertive approach is needed to counter Moscows hybrid threat strategy. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of NATOs Military Committee, told the Financial Times that the alliance is exploring the option of being proactive rather than reactive, potentially including preemptive cyber or sabotage measures. Dragone emphasized that such actions could still align with NATOs defensive doctrine, noting that it is further away from our normal way of thinking or behavior.

Germany Signals Possible Russian Attack by 2029

Admiral Dragone highlighted NATOs Baltic Sentry mission, established this year to deter Russian-linked sabotage at sea, stating that from the beginning of Baltic Sentry, nothing has happened, which shows that the deterrence is effective. He acknowledged that NATO members face stricter limits compared to their counterparts due to legal, ethical, and jurisdictional constraints, describing it as a harder position to maintain.

Russia Denounces NATO Statements

Moscow reacted sharply. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned Dragones remarks as extremely irresponsible, accusing NATO of signaling a willingness to escalate, according to Russian state media.

Carrie Filipetti, executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition and former U.S. State Department and UN official, told Fox News Digital that Russias criticism is unfounded, given its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. She explained that NATOs potential assertiveness does not automatically bind the U.S. to act, citing Article 5s stipulation that members decide independently what measures are necessary if a NATO state is attacked.

Military Posturing and Exercises

Russian President Vladimir Putin observed a naval drill in the Black Sea in 2020, which involved over 30 warships, 39 aircraft, and strategic bombers. General Bruce Carlson, retired U.S. Air Force officer and former National Reconnaissance Office director, told Fox News Digital that Russia has conducted preemptive military actions in Europe with the intent to occupy sovereign territory, stressing the need for NATO to apply maximum pressure to push Russia toward negotiation.

Ongoing Hybrid Threats

NATO faces persistent Russian-linked hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, migration pressure, and repeated targeting of critical infrastructure. A series of sabotage incidents in late 2024 prompted a major review, following damage to undersea data cables and a key power link. Finnish prosecutors initially accused a tanker crew of causing damage, but the case was dismissed by a court ruling that national law did not apply.

In September, about 20 drones entered Poland, prompting Article 4 consultations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the event as the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II, while Moscow denied targeting Polish territory.

Author: Sophia Brooks