Preparations to respond to hybrid attacks
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the alliance is prepared to respond to Russian hybrid and cyber attacks against its member states when necessary. Rutte pointed out that this response "will not always be visible," emphasizing that NATO has trained and prepared to face these activities and possesses the various necessary response options.
Nature of the response and direct threats
Rutte added: "You will not always see what we do, and the response will not always be public or in the same way; sometimes it will be symmetric and sometimes asymmetric." He pointed out that the alliance's launch of the "Baltic Guard" mission in January 2025, following the cutting of a submarine cable between Estonia and Finland in late December 2024, was an example of a public response. He considered Russian hybrid attacks a "sign of weakness," stating that Moscow aims to stir concern among NATO countries.
Ukrainian support and defense of territory
Rutte affirmed the alliance's continued increase in defense investments and support for Ukraine, noting that ensuring Ukraine receives its military needs is the "best response" to Russian hybrid attacks. Regarding the possibility of a direct Russian threat, Rutte said: "We do not see an imminent threat to NATO territory," but he confirmed that the alliance would respond if military buildup is detected, adding that NATO has defensive plans and advanced ground forces on its eastern flank.
He stressed that NATO is a "defensive alliance" and will not launch an attack on any party, and that its goal is to protect the interests, values, and way of life of its member states. Notably, Russia has been waging a military offensive against Ukraine since February 24, 2022, and has stipulated Kyiv's abandonment of joining Western blocs as a condition for ending it.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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