Nato chief says alliance ‘ready’ for Russia’s hybrid attacks

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declared the alliance prepared for Russia's hybrid attacks, urging countries to bolster support for Ukraine following each incident. At a Sept. 11 commemoration event, Rutte emphasized NATO's readiness to counter Russian cyber intrusions and other hybrid warfare tactics, stating that the alliance possesses various response options to maintain strength.

He called on countries to provide additional assistance to Ukraine, signaling a strong message to Russian authorities regarding every hybrid attack or incident. European nations have maintained a heightened state of vigilance due to persistent Russian interference, fearing potential targeting of Western allies in Ukraine, as the five-year conflict continues.

Rutte's comments followed warnings from Denmark's Defense Intelligence Service, which anticipated more Russian hybrid attacks against Western targets while assessing an invasion of Ukraine as highly unlikely yet possible. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed similar concerns about hybrid threats from Russia, including drone and missile strikes, targeting Ukraine's allies, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing invasion.

Poland, a NATO and EU member state on the alliance's eastern edge, has repeatedly accused Russia of sabotage since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.