Stories
Russia's Escalating 'Hybrid War' Tests NATO Limits Across Europe
- •Europe faces a growing security challenge from Russia, involving suspected sabotage, cyberattacks, drones, arson, and disruption of critical infrastructure, falling short of conventional war.
- •French President Emmanuel Macron warned of hybrid attacks and ordered a plan to protect critical infrastructure, stating Europe is not intimidated and its security is tied to Ukraine.
- •Hybrid attacks are hostile actions without conventional military assault, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation, designed to cause disruption while remaining below the threshold of an obvious act of war.
- •European intelligence officials warn Russia's activities could intensify, aiming to create fear, consume resources, and test how far Moscow can push without provoking a military response.
- •Russia's objectives include reasserting its great power status, rebuilding influence over former Soviet states, reducing US influence, weakening NATO, and protecting Putin's rule.
Key Questions Answered
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow pursues four overlapping objectives: reasserting Russia's status as a great power, rebuilding influence over former Soviet states, reducing US influence while weakening NATO, and protecting Vladimir Putin's rule.
A hybrid attack is an umbrella term for hostile actions like cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, arson, and drone operations that stay below the threshold of conventional war. Russia uses this grey-zone strategy because ambiguity makes it difficult for governments to establish responsibility or trigger a collective NATO military response.
European leaders are implementing plans to protect critical infrastructure, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas advocates for increased pressure through tougher sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet and military-industrial complex. Additionally, countries like France and Poland are heavily monitoring airspace incursions, with Polish F-16 fighter jets frequently scrambled due to nearby drone and missile activity.
