NATO Chief Warns Europe to Prepare for More Russian Sabotage and Arson

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged Europe on Thursday to prepare for sustained Russian sabotage, arson and other hybrid attacks.

Speaking in Germany with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Rutte called for vigilance across the alliance.

“We must be prepared for Russia’s campaign of hostile actions against allies to continue. We must all remain vigilant; we must all remain alert.”

Intelligence Cooperation Deepens

The warning reflects growing European concern over covert operations attributed to Moscow as Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

European officials accuse the Kremlin of using assassinations, damage to industrial facilities and other operations designed to obscure responsibility, to weaken backing for Kyiv.

Russia rejects allegations that it is conducting such activities.

Merz said Germany would resist intimidation and pointed to its rising defense expenditure.

Jetten said German-Dutch intelligence cooperation was being expanded “to an unprecedented level.”

Nuclear Threat Over Kaliningrad

The leaders’ appearance followed a Russian warning to NATO over Kaliningrad, Moscow’s strategically important Baltic exclave.

Russia said it could deploy its full arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if the alliance attempted to cut the territory off from the rest of the country.

Rutte urged European governments to maintain their composure. Moscow has repeatedly issued nuclear threats since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

“Keep calm, carry on and continue the support for Ukraine,” he said.

The NATO chief maintained that the alliance had the capabilities needed to protect all member territory, pairing his warning about continued hybrid attacks with reassurance about its defenses.