NATO Weighs Military Response to Russia’s Escalating Hybrid Warfare – FT

NATO allies are considering a stronger response to Russia’s growing hybrid attacks against member states, including the possibility of limited military measures.

The Gaze reports this, referring to The Financial Times.

Citing four officials briefed on the discussions, the outlet said the talks aim to raise the cost for Moscow’s ongoing “hybrid war” and establish clearer countermeasures after a wave of Russian drone and aircraft incursions into Allied airspace.

Among the options under discussion are deploying strike-capable drones along NATO’s eastern border and relaxing engagement rules to allow pilots to open fire on Russian aircraft when necessary. 

The proposals, initiated by frontline nations bordering Russia and backed by France and the United Kingdom, also include arming reconnaissance drones currently used for intelligence collection on Russian troop movements.

Another measure being considered is organizing large-scale NATO military exercises along the Russian frontier, particularly in remote or less-defended border areas.

The deliberations follow a series of Russian provocations, including drone incursions into Poland and Romania, and a recent incident involving Russian MiG fighter jets over Estonia. In Western Europe, dozens of unidentified drones have disrupted air traffic in Belgium, Denmark, and Germany – incidents some officials link to the same hybrid campaign.

According to alliance diplomats, the discussions, which began among a small group of directly affected states, have widened as more capitals acknowledge that Russian activities now pose a broader threat. 

While some governments favor a more assertive posture as deterrence, others caution against steps that could risk direct confrontation with a nuclear power.

“Active discussions are underway on how NATO can respond more effectively to Russia’s actions,” one alliance diplomat told the newspaper, noting that the talks remain in early stages and no decisions or timelines have been agreed.

As The Gaze reported earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that systematic Russian drone incursions into EU airspace form part of Moscow’s broader hybrid war against Europe.