Trump team clarifies stance on helping NATO counter Russian hybrid attacks

According to Whitaker, particular concern is caused by the attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany last month. Berlin has attributed responsibility for the incident to Russia.

The American diplomat noted that this case was more alarming than other recent incidents involving Russian drones attacking Ukraine and deviating from their course.

"Then you have what I would call the more concerning hybrid actions like we saw in Leipzig, like ​we have seen in Poland," said Whitaker.

He emphasized that Alliance countries must be prepared and vigilant, and respond clearly to such cases.

"If we can identify who's doing ​it — which Germany ​did — we ⁠make sure we express strongly that is unacceptable and we will not ​tolerate it," the diplomat stressed.

Whitaker also warned that critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, could become targets of hybrid attacks. According to him, they must be under the supervision of national authorities.

At the same time, the primary responsibility for responding to such incidents lies with individual NATO countries. The US, according to Whitaker, will support allies when they face similar threats.

Russia’s hybrid attacks against Europe

Concern over cyberattacks, drone use, and sabotage cases has been growing in Europe recently. Western countries link some of these incidents to Russia.

One such case is the drone with explosives found at Leipzig Airport in Germany near a Ukrainian aircraft. The explosives did not detonate, but in another scenario, this would have led to a terrorist act. Germany linked this incident to Russia.

Against this backdrop, European governments are seeking ways to respond to Moscow's actions, which remain below the threshold of direct military conflict.