FT: NATO discusses military options to counter Russia's hybrid war
NATO allies have held talks on a tougher response to Russia's increasingly provocative actions against alliance members, including possible military measures. Countries bordering Russia, with support from France and the United Kingdom, have initiated the discussions.
As reported by Financial Times, the proposals include arming surveillance drones currently used to gather intelligence on Russian military activity and easing the rules of engagement for pilots patrolling the eastern border so they can shoot down Russian threats.
Four NATO officials familiar with the talks said the measures aim to raise the cost for Moscow of its "hybrid war" and establish clear countermeasures following repeated airspace violations by Russian drones and aircraft.
Countries bordering Russia, with support from France and the United Kingdom, have initiated the discussions.
Another option is conducting NATO military exercises along the border, particularly in remote and unguarded areas.
A series of Russian provocations spans drone incursions into Poland and Romania, and a MiG fighter provocation in Estonia. Meanwhile, dozens of unidentified drones have caused widespread disruption at airports in Belgium, Denmark and Germany, with some officials linking these incidents to the same Russian hybrid campaign.
Two NATO officials said one urgent task is simplifying the rules of engagement on the eastern flank. Some countries require fighter pilots to have visual confirmation of a threat before engaging, while others allow action based on radar data or probable risk inferred from the direction or speed of a hostile target.
The talks, initially limited to a small group of directly involved nations, have now expanded as capitals recognise the growing scale of the Russian threat.
One official said some countries are pushing for a more aggressive NATO posture as a deterrent, while others advocate a cautious approach to avoid direct confrontation with a nuclear-armed state.
Active discussions are ongoing on the best and most effective ways to respond to Russia, said one NATO diplomat, who noted the talks are still at an early stage.
All sources emphasised that there are no deadlines or commitments to adopt any changes in policy and that any shift in position may not be announced publicly.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that systematic incursions by Russian drones into EU airspace are part of the hybrid war that Russia is waging against Europe.
Recently, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he believes that Russia was behind the flights of many of the drones spotted over Germany.