NATO Eyes Preemptive Strikes on Russia: Hybrid Threats Escalate in Europe

NATO’s top admiral warns of preemptive actions against Russia’s hybrid attacks like cable sabotage and drone incursions. Explore the tensions, operations, and challenges in this 2025 update for expats in Europe.

NATO’s chair of the Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, has sparked global debate by suggesting the alliance explore preemptive measures against Russia’s intensifying hybrid warfare. In a Financial Times interview, he advocated moving from reactive to “more aggressive or proactive” strategies amid drone incursions, cyberattacks, and sabotage across Europe. This comes as the Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, pushing NATO to rethink deterrence.

For English speakers in France and Europe, these developments highlight rising security risks that could impact travel, energy supplies, and regional stability. Dragone framed potential preemptive strikes as “defensive actions,” though he stressed they diverge from NATO’s core defensive doctrine.

Escalating Hybrid Threats Gripping Europe

Russia-linked hybrid attacks have surged, targeting critical infrastructure and testing NATO resolve.

Baltic Sea Sabotage: From October 2023 to December 2024, nine submarine cables were severed, plus a gas pipeline and Estonia-Finland power line, often tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet” vessels dragging anchors.
Cyber and Airspace Violations: Frequent cyberattacks hit multiple nations, with Russian drones repeatedly entering NATO airspace.
Legal Hurdles in Attribution: A Finnish court dismissed charges against shadow fleet crew due to international waters jurisdiction.

These incidents have alarmed Eastern European allies, who demand bolder responses like retaliatory cyber operations.

NATO’s Response: Operations and Deterrence Success

NATO launched targeted missions to counter these threats, proving deterrence can yield results.

Operation Baltic Sentry (January 2025)

Deploys frigates, patrol aircraft, and drones to safeguard undersea assets in the Baltic Sea. Dragone noted no incidents since launch, crediting it with effective protection against shadow fleet risks. NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasized monitoring these opaque oil tankers evading sanctions.

Operation Eastern Sentry (September 2025)

Follows Russian drone probes into alliance airspace, enhancing aerial vigilance across Eastern flanks.

Legal and Operational Roadblocks to Preemption

Dragone candidly outlined barriers to aggressive shifts, emphasizing NATO’s constraints compared to adversaries.

Ethical and Legal Limits: Alliance members face stricter rules on jurisdiction, ethics, and international law.
Command Dilemmas: Key questions remain on authorizing bodies and executing entities for preemptive actions.
Risk of Escalation: Eastern diplomats push for cyber retaliation, but broader implementation demands consensus.

Russia’s Fierce Backlash

Moscow swiftly condemned the remarks as “extremely irresponsible” on December 1, 2025. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned of escalation risks to NATO members and accused the alliance of militarizing Europe over “non-existent” threats. Russian Ambassador to Belgium Denis Gonchar labeled it rampant aggression.