Top European officials are increasingly alarmed that Russia could stage drone or missile attacks against NATO countries as Moscow steps up its hybrid campaign across the continent.
Germany is preparing hospitals for a possible conflict, Lithuania has updated evacuation plans and NATO troops are exercising in the Baltic region, while Belarusian forces have staged large maneuvers near Lithuania.
On Thursday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned Moscow could send drones or missiles into the territory of NATO countries supporting Ukraine in “the next few months.”
The warnings underscore a growing sense of anxiety in Europe amid fast-proliferating incidents of airspace violations and sabotage attempts in recent months. NATO allies have repeatedly said they see the attacks as pressure from the Kremlin to reduce their support for Ukraine but have muted their response over fears of escalation.
French President Emmanuel Macron summoned party leaders and 2027 presidential candidates for an emergency meeting on Friday to talk about Ukraine, Iran and the growing energy crisis.
He called Tusk’s warnings “sound and well-documented” as he announced a new critical infrastructure protection plan, adding: “In recent weeks … the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified.”
Guillaume Lacroix, leader of the Radical Party of the Left, left the meeting saying: “At the age of 50, I have rarely felt such vertigo.”
“It is no coincidence that the Polish prime minister is speaking out so strongly,” Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said Friday. “We need to take that warning very seriously … we must consistently demonstrate that we do not accept this and that we will take action if necessary.”
On Thursday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb told his country it was “worth mentally preparing for something to happen” including sabotage and Russian drones.
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