NATO deputy 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 reckless and risk-accepting as the war in Ukraine continues, urging the alliance to avoid overreaction. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer spoke at a security conference in Estonia, noting Putin seeks to divide Western allies through covert attacks like sabotage and espionage. European leaders, including Poland's Donald Tusk, have warned Russia might stage deliberate attacks on NATO nations while claiming they were accidental. The warning follows over 210 incidents of Russian covert disruption since March 2025, including arson and cyberattacks. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal likened Putin to a "rat in the corner," but said a conventional attack on Europe remains improbable.