NATO has issued a sharp warning over a recent surge in hostile Russian activity on Allied territory, with the UK among the countries affected.
In its latest statement, the US-led alliance detailed a range of malign actions attributed to Russia, raising concerns about a potential escalation in tensions between Russia and NATO member states.
“NATO Allies are deeply concerned about recent malign activities on Allied territory, including those resulting in the investigation and charging of multiple individuals in connection with hostile state activity affecting Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United Kingdom,” the alliance said.
The statement highlights an intensifying campaign by Russia that involves various forms of hybrid warfare, including sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hostile operations.
NATO Allies have expressed their collective support for those affected and have pledged to take individual and collective actions to counter Russian aggression.
“We support and stand in solidarity with the affected Allies. We will act individually and collectively to address these actions, and will continue to coordinate closely,” NATO’s statement continued.
“We will continue to boost our resilience and to apply and enhance the tools at our disposal to counter and contest Russian hybrid actions and will ensure that the Alliance and Allies are prepared to deter and defend against hybrid actions or attacks.”
The warning comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s activities across Europe and the broader Euro-Atlantic area.
The alliance’s statement strongly condemns Russia’s behaviour, urging the country to uphold its international obligations. NATO’s firm stance underscores its commitment to defend member states and support Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities.
“We condemn Russia’s behaviour, and we call on Russia to uphold its international obligations, as Allies do theirs. Russia’s actions will not deter Allies from continuing to support Ukraine,” the statement concluded.
Earlier this year, a UK-based think tank reported that Russia was rebuilding its capacity to destabilise European countries, signalling a strategic threat to NATO as the alliance continues to focus on the war in Ukraine.
