Increased aggression against Russian hybrid attacks mulled by NATO

Intensifying Russian cyberattacks and drone strikes against Europe have prompted NATO to consider "pre-emptive" action, according to The Independent.

Such a defensive stance was noted by NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone to be necessary as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year.

"On cyber, we are kind of reactive. Being more aggressive, or being proactive instead of reactive, is something that we are thinking about," said Dragone, who noted NATO's ongoing analysis of potential response mechanisms against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia criticized Dragone's statements as irresponsibly escalating tensions.

"We see in it a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to overcome the Ukrainian crisis. The people making such statements should be aware of the risks and possible consequences, including for the alliance members themselves," said Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Such a development comes almost a year after NATO unveiled Operation Baltic Sentry to improve defenses against potential Russian intrusions.