NATO’s deputy commander in Europe warned Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting
as his war in Ukraine continues, with officials citing a surge in covert attacks and hybrid threats against Western nations.
NATO’s deputy supreme allied commander for Europe, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting
as his war in Ukraine drags on, with officials citing a surge in covert attacks and hybrid threats against Western nations. Stringer’s remarks, made at a security conference in Tallinn, Estonia, come amid growing concerns over Russia’s strategy to test NATO’s collective defense pact through sabotage, cyberattacks, and drone incursions.
Rising Covert Attacks and Hybrid Threats
The frequency of Russian hybrid activities has risen significantly, as indicated by an AP interactive map that reports 59 incidents in March 2025, increasing to over 210 incidents encompassing vandalism, propaganda and influence operations, arson, sabotage and cyberattacks. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized Putin’s awareness of Western unity, stating, We have to make sure that we are prepared, we are strong, and he knows it. And if he does anything silly, he knows our reaction will be tough.
Recent examples include a plot to sabotage a drone factory outside London and a drone with explosives found at Leipzig airport, both linked to Moscow. However, a British defense official, who requested anonymity to address sensitive security issues, stated that the U.K.’s analysis indicates Putin is not aiming for direct conflict with NATO.
European Responses Remain Divided
Michal also noted that Russia’s high level of malign activity from Russia is here to stay
until Putin changes his military goals, advocating for continued support for Kyiv. Meanwhile, British defense officials emphasized that drone incursions into NATO countries are often the result of electronic warfare, though they acknowledged the febrile environment
requires careful responses to avoid provoking overreaction.
NATO’s Readiness to Deter
NATO leaders stress the alliance’s readiness to counter Russian aggression. Rutte highlighted the interconnectedness of the U.S. and Europe, stating, Putin knows that the United States and Europe are totally intertwined.
Stringer reiterated the importance of vigilance, noting that Russia’s attitude towards negligence
and deliberately targeting NATO neighbors is almost the same.
However, he cautioned that while the threat is real, It would be possible for Russia to escalate that activity but it does not mean Moscow has decided to do so.
Estonian officials, including Michal, argue that Western support for Ukraine is a key factor in Russia’s escalation. Putin is trying to break NATO support for Ukraine,
Stringer said, adding that the Russian leader is looking at a whole number of things
to create division among allies. Despite these challenges, Michal called the likelihood of a conventional military attack on Europe “improbable,” citing the threat of NATO’s response and Russia’s forces being tied down in Ukraine.
The consensus among NATO officials remains that preparedness and unity are critical to deterring further Russian aggression.
Byline: ethan.brook News Editor