NATO explores proposal to assess potential preventive steps regarding Russia
Photo: NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone (Getty Images)
NATO may move toward more proactive measures in response to Russian cyberattacks, sabotage, and airspace violations, and the Alliance is already examining the possibility of carrying out a "pre-emptive strike" against Russia.
This was stated by the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, according to the Financial Times.
Dragone notes that the alliance is assessing potential steps to strengthen its response to Russia’s hybrid activity. At the moment, NATO remains mostly reactive in cyberspace, but is considering a shift toward more assertive or proactive actions.
Pressure from Eastern Europe
European countries have already experienced multiple incidents linked to Russia’s hybrid warfare - from explosions damaging cables in the Baltic Sea to large-scale cyberattacks. Diplomats from NATO’s eastern flank are urging a move from a purely reactive posture to an active response. This is seen as most feasible in cyberspace, where countries possess offensive tools; responses to sabotage or drone intrusions are far more challenging.
Dragone views the idea of a "preventive strike" as something that could be framed as a defensive action, while acknowledging that such an approach is outside NATO’s usual mindset. The legal basis, jurisdiction, and responsibility for executing such actions remain key concerns.
Baltic Sentry shows results
He points out that the Baltic Sentry mission - involving patrols by ships, aircraft, and maritime drones in the Baltic Sea - has proven effective. Since the mission began, no incidents have occurred, which is interpreted as successful deterrence.
Still, concerns persist among allies, especially after a Finnish court closed the case involving the vessel Eagle, which damaged several undersea power and data cables, ruling that the incident took place in international waters. Officials in Finland warn that such decisions may effectively give russian vessels more freedom of action.
The Finnish foreign ministry says that stronger measures are also under review, but stresses the importance of avoiding emotional reactions and maintaining a consistent strategic approach.
Ethical and legal limits
Dragone emphasises that NATO operates under far stricter legal and ethical constraints than Russia. These limits complicate the alliance’s actions but do not render them ineffective.
He identifies NATO’s main goal as preventing future aggression. Whether this is achieved through a retaliatory strike or a preventive action remains an open question requiring careful analysis, especially as pressure to make such decisions is expected to grow in the future.
NATO military exercises amid Russian threats
Amid ongoing threats from Russia, NATO continues large-scale exercises across Europe. Romania recently hosted major drills focused on defending Europe with a reduced US troop presence.
Poland conducted Iron Defender-25, the country’s largest 2025 exercise, involving around 30,000 troops and hundreds of military vehicles.
Finland and the United Kingdom have also launched the joint exercise Northern Axe 2025 in Kuhmo, deploying British personnel and about 600 units of equipment.
