NATO’s senior military official, Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, has stated that the alliance is considering “more aggressive” and proactive responses to cyber attacks, sabotage operations and airspace violations linked to Russia, as Europe has faced numerous hybrid attacks in recent years. Dragone said that a pre-emptive strike could also be regarded as a defensive step, although this is far removed from NATO’s previous practice and is complicated by legal and ethical constraints.
The Baltic Sentry mission in the Baltic Sea successfully prevented cable-cutting incidents, yet eastern member states continue to urge the alliance not only to react but to act as a deterrent force. The Finnish case, in which no charges were brought against a shadow fleet vessel for damage caused in international waters, has further increased concerns.
The NATO is therefore examining how to deter Russia more effectively, including through tougher, proactive measures.
