Moscow miscalculated.
15.09.2025
The governments of some European countries have begun taking covert retaliatory measures against Russian hybrid operations, The New York Times reported. They are primarily talking about states that are close to Russia and most often subject to such attacks.
What these measures are, the publication did not specify, citing only Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonsson. “We are taking important measures to strengthen our resilience and, of course, we are also trying to complicate Russia’s actions, primarily by supporting Ukraine,” the minister said.
“Sweden is neither at war nor at peace. Russia operates in the gray zone between cold peace and cold war,” Jonsson added.
The invasion of Poland by Russian drones and the alleged attack on the GPS system of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen‘s plane have intensified the debate among European diplomats and military officials about whether a tough NATO and EU response is needed that can prevent further escalation by Moscow but also prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war, the NYT wrote.
Some countries have called for Article 5 to be invoked in response to hybrid attacks, but it is unclear what specific measures might follow. Asked this month whether hybrid attacks could trigger Article 5, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: the possibility always exists. “Our response will be devastating. When it comes to hybrid threats, we are not naive,” Rutte said, but did not specify what exactly could trigger the activation of Article 5.
The options for responding to Russian sabotage include retaliatory hybrid operations, increased military support for Ukraine and increased economic pressure on Russia, the NYT writes.
Supporters of a tough response to Moscow’s hybrid attacks suggest completely seizing frozen Russian assets and transferring them to Ukraine. Such a move would be a response without the use of military force, which would avoid the risk of the conflict escalating into a wider war, the NYT noted.
https://charter97.org/en/news/2025/9/15/655723
I will interpret this as those countries acting proactively. If so, it’s more than high time.
“Rutte said, but did not specify what exactly could trigger the activation of Article 5.”
Whatever it is, the US under TACO will not support it.
Nope, no way Taco will show even a lick of courage or righteousness.
Uk NATO members should just mention kicking the US out of the club, as he is impeading global peace initative, see what reaction that gets from TACO. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Do you think that taco would even care? I have my doubts.