NATO Deputy Commander Warns Putin Is Growing More Reckless in Ukraine War

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 the war in Ukraine drags on, according to the Associated Press. Stringer said Putin seeks to divide Western allies and provoke NATO into an "overreaction," noting a "febrile environment" of covert attacks. European leaders have cited sabotage, espionage, and drone incursions, with incidents rising from 59 in March 2025 to over 210, though some officials urge calm. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal likened Putin to a "rat in the corner," saying escalation aims to break Western support for Ukraine. Both leaders said a conventional attack on NATO is "improbable" while Russian forces are tied down, and deterrence depends on backing Ukraine.