The NATO military alliance is actively contemplating a shift towards pre-emptive action to counter a sustained campaign of hybrid attacks from Russia, a top official has revealed. This marks a potential strategic departure for the bloc as it grapples with drone incursions, cyber operations, and sabotage targeting critical undersea infrastructure.
Admiral's Warning: From Reactive to Proactive Defence
Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the chair of the NATO Military Committee, stated that the alliance is studying a more aggressive and proactive approach to deter Moscow. He told the Financial Times that while NATO has typically been reactive, especially in cyberspace, new thinking is required as the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year.
"Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about," Dragone said. He argued that a pre-emptive strike could be considered a defensive action, even if it moves beyond NATO's traditional behavioural norms. Key questions remain on the legal framework and jurisdiction for such actions.
Baltic Sabotage and the Shadow Fleet Threat
The warnings follow a series of alarming incidents. A recent investigation highlighted that NATO was placed on high alert after 11 recorded incidents in the Baltic Sea, where vessels were accused of dragging anchors to damage energy and communication cables.
In response, NATO launched Operation Baltic Sentry in January to enhance patrols with aircraft, warships, and drones. The operation aims to monitor Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of ships with opaque ownership, used to transport sanctioned oil. Admiral Dragone cited this mission as a successful deterrent, noting that no major incidents have occurred since its inception.
However, legal hurdles persist. A court in Finland recently dismissed a case against a shadow fleet crew that damaged undersea cables in the Gulf of Finland, as the act occurred in international waters, highlighting the complex challenges of enforcement.
Russian Retort and the Escalation Risk
The Kremlin has reacted fiercely to Dragone's comments. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labelled the remarks "extremely irresponsible" and an attempt to escalate tensions. "We see in it a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to overcome the Ukrainian crisis," she said, warning of risks and consequences for NATO members themselves.
This public exchange underscores the heightened state of alert across Europe. With regular cyber attacks targeting multiple nations and repeated violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones, the alliance's leadership is signalling that patience with Moscow's hybrid warfare tactics is wearing thin, potentially setting the stage for a more confrontational phase in European security.
