FT: NATO Considers Armed Response to Russia’s Hybrid Aggression

NATO allies are discussing a more decisive response to Russia’s provocations, including allowing pilots to open fire on Russian aircraft and intensifying military exercises along the eastern border.

This was reported by the Financial Times, citing four sources in the Alliance.

According to the NATO officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the purpose of the discussions is to raise the cost of Moscow’s hybrid war and to formulate clear countermeasures in response to violations of Alliance airspace by Russian drones and aircraft.

One of the key proposals is to conduct large-scale exercises on the border with Russia, especially in less protected regions. This should signal NATO’s readiness to respond quickly to any threats.

The allies are also discussing revising the rules of engagement on the eastern flank. In some countries, pilots must have visual confirmation of a threat before opening fire. In others, radar data or a threat assessment based on the direction and speed of the target is sufficient.

This difference in protocols creates risks for coherence in crisis situations. Therefore, NATO is seeking to unify approaches to combat response, especially in times of rising tensions.

One of the interlocutors noted that the positions of member states are divided. Some capitals insist on a more aggressive response, while others call for restraint, given the risk of a direct confrontation with a nuclear power.

The issue of publicity of decisions is being discussed separately. All four officials emphasized that NATO is not obliged to publicize changes in position.

As a reminder, at a tense meeting in Moscow, the British, French, and German ambassadors expressed concern over the intrusion of three MiG-31 fighters into Estonian airspace.

After negotiations, the delegations concluded that this was a deliberate tactic authorized by the Russian command.

During the talks, a Russian diplomat said that the violations were a response to Ukrainian attacks in Crimea. The Kremlin emphasized that these strikes would not have been possible without NATO’s help, so Russia considers itself already involved in a confrontation, particularly with European countries.

European diplomats pointed out that the Russian side was carefully recording NATO’s positions, suggesting that this was done to prepare a detailed report to the leadership in Moscow.