Nato is actively considering a significant shift towards pre-emptive action to counter a sustained campaign of hybrid attacks by Russia, a senior alliance military official has revealed.
A More Aggressive Posture
The alliance is exploring a more aggressive approach to Russian activities that fall below the threshold of conventional war. This includes frequent drone incursions, sophisticated cyberattacks, and deliberate damage to critical undersea infrastructure. The chair of the Nato Military Committee, Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, confirmed the strategic review, stating the alliance must adapt to these asymmetric threats.
Incidents in the Baltic Sea
The push for a new strategy follows a series of alarming incidents. A Financial Times investigation uncovered 11 separate cases where vessels damaged vital energy and communication cables on the bed of the Baltic Sea. These events have contributed to a heightened state of alert within the alliance and underscored the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Admiral Dragone suggested that under certain conditions, a pre-emptive strike could be classified as a defensive action. He acknowledged this would mark a clear departure from Nato's traditional reactive posture and would necessitate careful navigation of complex international legal frameworks.
Operation Baltic Sentry and Ongoing Challenges
Nato launched Operation Baltic Sentry in January to patrol the region and deter the activities of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet'. Admiral Dragone has assessed the operation as effective. However, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning jurisdictional issues in international waters, which complicate enforcement and response actions.
This potential policy shift indicates a pivotal moment for Nato as it grapples with how to respond to Russia's evolving hybrid warfare tactics without escalating into a full-scale conflict. The debate centres on redefining the boundaries of defensive action in the modern security landscape.
