Bangkok: European governments are increasingly debating stronger retaliatory measures as suspected Russian hybrid attacks intensify across the continent, the Politico news site reported Thursday. Officials and diplomats from several European capitals told Politico that options now on the table include joint offensive cyber operations targeting Russian military-linked infrastructure, faster attribution of hybrid attacks to Moscow, and surprise NATO drills on the alliance's eastern flank.
According to Anadolu Agency, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze remarked that Moscow is 'constantly testing the limits' and urged a more 'proactive response.' She emphasized that actions, rather than words, would send the necessary signals. This debate arises amid a surge in alleged Russian activities, including drones reportedly linked to Russia violating airspace in Poland and Romania, and unknown drones causing disruptions at airports and military facilities across Western Europe.
A significant incident involved the sabotage of a key rail line between Warsaw and Kyiv, leading Poland to deploy 10,000 troops to safeguard critical infrastructure. The Bratislava-based think tank GLOBSEC reported over 110 sabotage attempts across Europe from January to July, primarily in Poland and France, involving individuals with ties to Moscow.
Following the rail incident, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Russia of 'state terrorism.' EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted the 'extreme danger' these attacks pose to the bloc, advocating for a 'strong response.' Italy has also taken steps to adapt its stance, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto criticizing Europe's 'inertia' and proposing a comprehensive plan for a European Center for Countering Hybrid Warfare, a cyber force, and new AI-specialized units.
Kevin Limonier, a professor and deputy director at the GEODE think tank, pointed out the constraints EU states face, unlike Russia, in adhering to rule-of-law principles, raising concerns about the extent of permissible covert operations. Some NATO members, such as Denmark, the Czech Republic, and the UK, are already conducting offensive cyber operations, while others like Germany and Romania are expanding legal frameworks to neutralize drones over sensitive sites.
NATO officials emphasize that while the alliance will not mimic Russia's tactics, it should bolster deterrence measures. Former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu suggested that rapid public attribution of attacks and 'no-notice' military exercises near Russia's borders could project a unified stance of determination. Swedish Chief of Defense Gen. Michael Claesson advised against allowing 'fear of escalation' to influence policy, stressing the need for firmness in response.