European leaders warn of ‘intensified threat’ from Putin
However, NATO sees no risk of "imminent attack" despite the fresh warnings from countries such as Poland, Lithuania, France and the Netherlands.
European leaders are sounding the alarm over Russia's intensifying threat, with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning that drones or missiles could be sent into NATO countries in the coming months. Germany is preparing hospitals for potential conflict, while Lithuania has updated its evacuation plans and NATO troops are conducting exercises in the Baltic region.
Russian forces have stepped up their activity, including numerous violations of NATO airspace, increased cyberattacks, and a missile and drone campaign targeting Ukrainian cities near Poland. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an emergency meeting on the issue, stating that the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten emphasized the need to take the warning seriously. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has advised his country to mentally prepare for potential sabotage and drone attacks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned Europe that NATO allies would face a "very short" war if they attempted to attack Russia.
While NATO has not changed its threat assessment, it acknowledges the rise in hybrid incidents across Europe and the need to remain vigilant.
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