Key facts
- European governments are increasing preparations for potential Russian hybrid attacks.
- Officials warn Russia may use drones, missiles, sabotage, and cyberattacks against NATO countries.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated there is a real risk of Russian projectiles entering NATO territory.
- French President Emmanuel Macron ordered additional protections for critical infrastructure and defense sites.
- Switzerland's new security strategy prioritizes protection against hybrid and long-range attacks.
- NATO has published baseline resilience requirements for member states.
European nations are enhancing their defenses in response to escalating warnings from officials about an increasing Russian hybrid threat. Governments across the continent are preparing for potential Russian actions, including drone and missile attacks, sabotage, and cyber warfare, which are seen as attempts to test NATO's resolve and undermine support for Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on September 17 that intelligence assessments indicated a real risk of Russian projectiles entering the territory of NATO countries, potentially causing destruction and aiming to weaken the alliance's collective response. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys corroborated these concerns, noting that Lithuania had access to the same intelligence and that public warnings were intended to deter such provocations.
French President Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the intensified hybrid threat, ordering his government to develop enhanced protections for critical infrastructure and defense industry sites against drone and cyberattacks. Similarly, Finnish President Alexander Stubb urged citizens to be mentally prepared for possible sabotage and drone incidents while advocating for calm and discouraging overreaction.
Broader civil-defense preparations are underway, with Germany examining hospital capacity for war scenarios and Lithuania developing evacuation plans. Switzerland, though not a NATO member, adopted its Security Policy Strategy 2026, identifying Russia's war in Ukraine and hybrid threats as major challenges. The strategy aims to reduce vulnerabilities and bolster protection for civilians and critical infrastructure.