Against the backdrop of intensifying Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and defense enterprises, European NATO countries are discussing possible response measures, but are avoiding radical steps due to the risk of direct escalation with Russia. Politico reports this, citing NATO diplomats and European officials, according to UNN.
Details
Among the options is a discussion of whether hybrid attacks or a combination of them could serve as grounds for invoking Article 5 of NATO on collective defense. The allies are also considering strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure.
If you continue doing this, we will not only have response options... we will also continue supporting Ukraine
NATO has so far decided to "keep calm"
According to a senior NATO diplomat, pressure on the Alliance is increasing following recent incidents, including a Russian drone strike on a train near the Polish-Ukrainian border. However, he described the current strategy as "keeping calm and continuing... to support Ukraine."
Politico notes that concern is growing in Europe over sabotage, cyberattacks, and other actions that remain below the threshold of conventional war.
According to the publication, NATO does not yet have an official plan for responding to such incidents. Some allies are informally proposing defining a threshold beyond which a series of hybrid attacks could raise the question of invoking Article 5, but there is currently no consensus on this within the Alliance.