NATO boosts intelligence-sharing as Russia-linked sabotage fears grow in Europe

NATO is increasing intelligence-sharing in response to a series of Russia-linked sabotage incidents, its top military commander said Thursday, while asserting the alliance is prepared to manage the risks. The move follows warnings from Denmark about an intensified Russian hybrid warfare campaign. US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, called recent incidents, including an attempted drone attack in Germany and a Russian ship firing flares at a Danish helicopter, "concerning" but said the alliance should remain "calm and confident." He described a limited Russian attack on NATO territory as "unlikely but something that we can't rule out," while rejecting any suggestion that Moscow could exploit US stockpile depletion. Denmark's Defence Intelligence Service assessed a "low but growing risk" of a limited Russian military attack on a NATO border state in coming months, though no outright invasion is indicated. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk separately warned of planned hybrid strikes, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed response plans exist. The warnings coincide with European allies assuming greater security responsibilities, with about 80,000 US troops currently based in Europe.