NATO is considering stronger measures against cyberattacks, sabotage, and incursions attributed to Russia
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is considering toughening its stance in response to the growing threats of hybrid warfare attributed to Russia. These include cyberattacks, sabotage, and aerial incursions into European territory. The discussion was confirmed by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of NATO's Military Committee, in statements to the Financial Times.
Dragone indicated that the transatlantic alliance is analyzing a significant change in its strategy: so far, NATO has acted mainly reactively, especially in the cyber domain.
Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Presidente del comité militar de la OTAN
"We're studying everything. In the cyber domain, we're somewhat reactive," said the committee chairman. "Being more aggressive or proactive, instead of reactive, is something we're considering," he stated.
Europe demands a firmer response
In recent years, Europe has suffered various incidents of hybrid warfare. Among them, the cutting of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea and multiple cyberattacks that affected several countries. Although some episodes were attributed to Russia, others still do not have a confirmed perpetrator.
In light of this situation, diplomats from Eastern Europe have called on NATO to move beyond the traditional defensive stance and adopt actions that would deter new attacks. Experts explain that an offensive response is easier in the cyber domain, while intervening in cases of physical sabotage or drone incursions involves greater operational and legal challenges.
Europeos solicitan a la OTAN un cambio de postura frente a Rusia
Cavo Dragone even mentioned the possibility of moving toward "preventive action" as part of the new approach, although he acknowledged that it would be a deep strategic shift. "Being more aggressive compared to our adversary's aggressiveness could be an option. The issues to solve are the legal framework, jurisdiction, and who should execute these measures," he noted.
Baltic Sentry, the program that showed results
NATO highlights concrete progress thanks to the Baltic Sentry mission, where ships, aircraft, and drones patrol the Baltic Sea to prevent new acts of sabotage like those recorded in 2023 and 2024. According to Dragone, the increased military presence had an immediate impact: "Since the start of Baltic Sentry, nothing has happened again. This means the deterrent effect is working," he said.
However, concerns persist after the recent ruling by a Finnish court. This ruling acquitted the crew of the Eagle S vessel —linked to the Russian shadow fleet— for cutting electrical and data cables in international waters. When asked by the Financial Times, Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, replied: "Yes, and that's a problem."
Vladimir Putin, presidente de la Federación de Rusia.
Valtonen stated that the bloc is considering a more forceful stance, although she urged caution. "I don't think it has been necessary so far. We must carefully analyze the aggressor's objectives and trust in our own plan, which is solid," she said.
The ethical and legal dilemma facing NATO
Cavo Dragone also acknowledged that the alliance faces restrictions that Russia doesn't consider. "We have many more limits due to ethical, legal, and jurisdictional issues. I don't want to say it's a losing position, but it is certainly more complicated than our adversary's," he assured.
For the admiral, the central challenge is to strengthen deterrence and prevent Moscow from finding incentives for new aggressions. "Deterrence, whether achieved by retaliation or by preventive attack, must be carefully analyzed because there could be even more pressure on this in the future," he concluded.
