Russia Executes Hybrid Warfare Across Europe, Intensifying NATO Tensions

European leaders are raising concerns about Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, which include a series of aerial incursions and drone attacks across NATO countries such as Poland, Estonia, and Romania. These incursions have involved Russian drones entering NATO airspace, fighter jets violating airspace, and drone swarms spying on critical infrastructure, leading to heightened tensions and defensive responses by NATO forces. The attacks are part of a broader strategy by Russian President Vladimir Putin to undermine NATO unity, destabilize European societies, and force NATO allies to divert attention from supporting Ukraine. Estonia's Defence Secretary highlighted that Russia's hybrid operations—ranging from airspace violations to cyberattacks and information campaigns—aim to pressure Europe into abandoning support for Ukraine while Putin seeks total control over Ukrainian territories. The recent missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure further escalate tensions, with neighboring countries like Poland scrambling aircraft to ensure air safety amid these threats. NATO countries continue to discuss enhancing detection and interception measures, such as creating an integrated "drone wall," to better counter these low-cost but disruptive Russian tactics.