Brussels discusses response to intensified Russian hybrid attacks — Politico Europe
In Brussels, NATO and the EU are discussing possible responses to the intensification of sabotage, cyberattacks and attacks on critical infrastructure linked to the Russian Federation, an aggressor state. At the same time, European countries are so far avoiding immediate tough measures over fears of escalation into a full-scale war with Russia, Politico Europe reports.
Among the options being considered in European capitals is a discussion of whether a combination of hybrid attacks could become grounds for invoking Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defence. They are also discussing faster and collective attribution of incidents to the Kremlin, as well as strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure.
Fears of escalation
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance has response options, some of which will be public and some of which will not. According to him, if such actions continue, NATO will use its response tools and continue supporting Ukraine.
A senior NATO diplomat told the publication that pressure is growing due to events near the Polish border, but the current strategy is to remain calm and continue supporting Ukraine. According to Politico Europe, this weekend a Russian drone struck a train near the Polish-Ukrainian border shortly after senior Western security officials had travelled there. In Bulgaria, investigations have also been launched into two explosions at weapons depots.
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The most serious incidents for which Russia is blamed have so far been thwarted, including an attempted attack on Leipzig Airport last month. At the same time, European officials are increasingly taking into account the risk of a successful attack causing casualties.
No common position
According to diplomats, NATO has not yet prepared formal response plans for the growing number of such incidents. Some allies are informally discussing where the line lies after which a series of attacks below the threshold of conventional war could be regarded as grounds for invoking Article 5. There is no consensus on this issue yet.
The EU is also discussing further measures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to focus on hybrid threats and the European Union's future security strategy in her annual address. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is preparing new sanctions against 1,600 entities, proposed before the latest incidents.
At the same time, EU member states failed on Monday to extend the bloc's sanctions against around 3,000 individuals and companies. The European Parliament is also preparing to adopt a non-binding resolution identifying Russia as the most serious hybrid threat to the European Union and its member states.
