Putin’s Risk‑Taking Escalates as NATO Cautions
NATO’s deputy commander in Europe, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly reckless and willing to take risks as the war in Ukraine continues. He urged NATO members to stay alert to covert attacks and to avoid provoking an overreaction. The…
By Felo News Desk · Published
At a security conference in Estonia, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, NATO’s deputy commander for Europe, cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming more cavalier, dangerous and willing to take risks as the war in Ukraine drags on. Stringer said the Kremlin is actively seeking to divide Western allies and is testing NATO’s collective defense through covert sabotage, espionage and the threat of drone and missile attacks.
Putin’s Growing Recklessness
Stringer described Putin as "increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk‑accepting," warning that the Russian leader is willing to provoke the alliance into an overreaction. The deputy commander added that NATO members must be aware of the "febrile environment" and respond carefully to avoid giving Moscow the opportunity to exploit divisions among its adversaries.
Covert Attacks on Western Targets
European officials have reported a surge in covert Russian operations against critical infrastructure and supply chains. In August, German authorities accused Moscow of orchestrating a plot at Leipzig Airport, where a drone with explosives was found beside a Ukrainian plane carrying jet fuel. The same month, an Estonian defense company was set on fire and a weapons storage facility in Bulgaria exploded, though attribution remains unclear.
British officials say they disrupted a Russian plot to sabotage a drone factory outside London last month. These incidents are part of a broader campaign that began after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has escalated from 59 incidents in March 2025 to more than 210 in recent months, including vandalism, propaganda, arson, sabotage and cyberattacks.
Threat of Drone and Missile Strikes
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia might target NATO nations with deliberate drone or missile strikes while claiming they were accidental. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a plan to protect critical infrastructure against potential drone attacks and cyberattacks. Despite these warnings, many European officials urge calm and emphasize that Russia is not seeking direct confrontation with NATO.
Strategic Calculations Behind the Escalation
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, speaking at the same conference, said that the increase in covert attacks is a direct consequence of Western support for Ukraine, not a failure of NATO to stop them. He likened Putin to a "rat in the corner," escalating activity in an attempt to break Western support for Kyiv. Michal also noted that a conventional military attack on Europe is currently improbable because of the threat of a NATO response and because Russian forces remain tied down in Ukraine.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the UK’s defence staff, highlighted the high cost of Russia’s war effort, citing over half a million deaths and the impact of Kyiv’s deep‑strike campaign on Russia’s energy industry. Despite these losses, Putin remains steadfast in his objectives in Ukraine and is actively undermining NATO’s collective defense by testing nations with covert attacks that are hard to attribute.
What Happens Next?
As the war in Ukraine continues, NATO members are urged to remain vigilant and to strengthen defensive measures against covert attacks. The alliance is also encouraged to continue supporting Ukraine, as that is seen as the most effective way to deter Russia’s malign activities. The situation remains fluid, and the extent to which Russia will test NATO’s collective defense in the future is uncertain.
In the meantime, European leaders are calling for a balanced response that deters further escalation while avoiding unnecessary provocation. The focus remains on maintaining unity among NATO allies and ensuring that any response to Russian aggression is measured and coordinated.
Overall, the comments from NATO’s deputy commander underscore the growing risk posed by Putin’s willingness to take bold actions against Western targets. The alliance’s ability to stay united and prepared will be critical in preventing further destabilization in Europe.
Key facts
- NATO warns Putin is becoming more reckless and risk‑taking
- Covert attacks on critical infrastructure are increasing across Europe
- European leaders urge calm but call for stronger defensive measures
- Russia is testing NATO’s collective defense through sabotage and drone threats
- Support for Ukraine remains the key deterrent against further Russian escalation
Why it matters
The escalation of covert attacks and the risk of direct strikes against NATO members highlight the fragility of European security and the importance of maintaining a united front against Russian aggression.
Frequently asked questions
What types of covert attacks has Russia carried out against NATO members?
Russia has conducted sabotage, espionage, drone and missile threats, cyberattacks, vandalism, propaganda, arson, and sabotage of critical infrastructure.
Why is NATO concerned about Putin’s willingness to provoke an overreaction?
Because an overreaction could lead to a broader conflict and further destabilize the region.
How are European leaders responding to the threat of Russian attacks?
They are calling for stronger defensive measures, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining unity while urging calm.
