❓WHAT HAPPENED: NATO is considering a more aggressive approach to counter Russian cyber attacks, sabotage, and drone intrusions, including the possibility of preemptive strikes.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: NATO’s Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, and other NATO and Russian officials.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements and incidents occurred throughout November 2025, with impacts across NATO territories, including Poland, Romania, and the Baltic region.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about.” – Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone
🎯IMPACT: NATO faces mounting pressure to address ongoing Russian actions, while balancing legal and ethical constraints that complicate responses.
NATO is signaling a potential shift toward a more proactive stance against Russia‘s “hybrid warfare” efforts. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, indicated that preemptive measures might be considered to counter cyber attacks, sabotage, and drone incursions. “Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about,” the Italian said.
Traditionally, NATO has officially refrained from offensive cyber operations or direct confrontation with Russia. However, a series of recent incidents, including cable sabotage in the Baltics and breaches of NATO airspace, have intensified calls for stronger responses. Dragone noted, “We have much more limits than [Russia] because of ethics, because of law, because of jurisdiction.”
Russia strongly condemned the admiral’s remarks. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the prospect of preemptive strikes as “extremely irresponsible” and accused NATO of heightening tensions. She added, “People making such statements must be aware of the ensuing risks and possible consequences, including for the alliance members themselves.”
Central European NATO members, which are most exposed to Russian interference, have long urged a more assertive posture. Recent events, including drone violations into Polish and Romanian airspace and sabotage targeting Polish infrastructure, underscore the pressure on NATO to respond decisively. However, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen cautioned against hasty action, emphasizing the need to understand the aggressor’s motives. “We shouldn’t be hysterical,” she said.
Image via the Ukrainian Presidency.
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