NATO commander warns Putin grows more reckless as Ukraine war continues

NATO’s deputy commander in Europe warned Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming “increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting” as his war in Ukraine drags on, seeking to divide Western allies. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer spoke at a security conference in Estonia, cautioning that NATO must avoid an “overreaction” to provocations, as European leaders warn Moscow may test the alliance with sabotage and espionage. Polish and French officials have cited risks of deliberate drone or missile strikes on NATO nations. Covert Russian attacks have escalated from 59 incidents in March 2025 to over 210, including arson and cyberattacks, though officials say a direct conventional attack on Europe remains improbable. Estonian leaders likened Putin to a “rat in the corner,” urging continued support for Ukraine to deter further aggression.