Key facts
- European leaders are increasingly alarmed about potential Russian drone or missile attacks on NATO countries.
- Poland, Lithuania, France, and the Netherlands have expressed concerns about an intensified Russian hybrid threat.
- Germany is preparing hospitals for a possible conflict, and Lithuania has updated evacuation plans.
- NATO sees no imminent threat of attack but urges vigilance.
- Hybrid incidents across Europe have risen significantly, with a sharp increase in airspace violations.
European leaders are increasingly sounding the alarm over a potential escalation of Russian hybrid warfare, including drone and missile attacks against NATO member states. The warnings come amid a backdrop of heightened tensions, including numerous Russian airspace violations, increased cyberattacks, and an intensified missile and drone campaign targeting Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Moscow could launch such attacks within the "next few months." French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these concerns, calling Tusk's warnings "sound and well-documented" and announcing a new critical infrastructure protection plan. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten emphasized the need to take the warning seriously, while Finnish President Alexander Stubb advised his country to mentally prepare for potential sabotage and Russian drones.
These statements follow recent military exercises by German and Swedish forces near Gotland, and unannounced NATO exercises near Kaliningrad. Earlier in the week, NATO jets shot down a Russian drone over Lithuania, and Germany attributed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport to a suspected Russian spy.
Despite these warnings, NATO officials maintain that there is no imminent threat of attack. A NATO official stated, "But we cannot not be naive or complacent, and we must make sure NATO remains strong in the years ahead." U.S. intelligence reports from August had previously warned of Moscow's planning for a limited assault on a NATO country in the coming years. However, it remains unclear if the latest warnings are based on fresh intelligence, with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys suggesting the relevant intelligence may date back to July. Some analysts believe the public statements could be part of a coordinated campaign to deter Russia from making aggressive moves.