NATO deputy commander warns Putin is growing more reckless as Ukraine war continues

NATO's deputy commander in Europe, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, warned Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming "increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting" as his war in Ukraine drags on, posing potential risks to Western alliances. Speaking at a security conference in Estonia, Stringer said Putin seeks to divide NATO allies and provoke an "overreaction," while European leaders fear Moscow may test the alliance's collective defense pact with bolder attacks, including sabotage and espionage. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron have warned of potential deliberate drone or missile strikes on NATO nations. Covert Russian disruption across Europe has escalated from 59 incidents in March 2025 to over 210, including arson, sabotage, and cyberattacks. However, officials in Baltic states and the U.K. assess that Putin is not seeking direct confrontation with NATO, and a conventional attack on Europe remains "improbable" due to NATO's deterrent and Russia's forces being tied down in Ukraine.