NATO will not tolerate hybrid actions against members, US envoy says

Whitaker highlighted an attempted drone attack at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport last month, which Berlin has attributed to Russia, as particularly concerning. He contrasted this with other recent incidents where Russian drones targeting Ukraine had strayed off course. Whitaker also mentioned similar concerning hybrid actions in Poland.

He emphasized that NATO members need to be prepared, vigilant, and deliver a strong message when confronted by such events. "If we can identify who's doing it — which Germany did — we make sure we express strongly that is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it," Whitaker said. He added that critical infrastructure, including energy assets, could be targeted and should be monitored by national authorities.