NATO May Respond Militarily to Russia's Hybrid Attacks: 'Financial Times'

NATO does not rule out its military response to Russia's hybrid aggression. According to the 'Financial Times', member countries of the alliance are discussing the potential for an armed reaction to incursions into airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets.

Sources indicate that dissatisfaction is growing within the alliance due to the hybrid war being waged by the Kremlin against Europe. Proposals include arming reconnaissance drones, changing rules of engagement to allow pilots to engage intruders more quickly, and conducting exercises near Russia's borders, especially in vulnerable areas.

Revising the rules of engagement is highlighted as a priority. Currently, different NATO countries have varying criteria; in some, pilots are required to visually confirm a threat, while in others, radar data is sufficient. In September, after a 12-minute flight over Estonia by three Russian fighter jets, Italian pilots refrained from firing, determining that there was no threat. Poland, on the other hand, only targets drones that pose a direct threat.