NATO Chief Says Alliance Ready for Russian Hybrid Attacks as Intelligence Warns of Escalation

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Thursday the alliance is prepared to handle sabotage and drone incidents in Europe, asserting that Russia's increased hybrid attacks indicate President Vladimir Putin is losing the war in Ukraine. A Danish intelligence assessment released Thursday warned Russia is likely to intensify its hybrid campaign, potentially including destructive cyberattacks and sabotage with high casualty risks, as Moscow has become more willing to take risks. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also cautioned that Russia is planning hybrid strikes on European countries supporting Ukraine. The Danish agency noted a low but growing risk of a limited Russian military attack on NATO border states in coming months, though no indications of a full invasion exist. U.S. Ambassador Matthew Whitaker advised against overreacting, saying current incident volumes do not suggest imminent conflict.