European leaders prepare public for ‘intensified threat’ from Putin

Key Points:

• European officials are increasingly concerned about potential Russian drone or missile attacks on NATO countries as Moscow intensifies its hybrid warfare across Europe, prompting preparations such as hospital readiness in Germany and evacuation plan updates in Lithuania.
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of possible Russian attacks on NATO territory supporting Ukraine within months, a sentiment echoed by other European leaders who view these threats as credible and part of a broader Kremlin strategy to pressure NATO allies.
• NATO has responded with military exercises in the Baltic region and increased vigilance, but has not yet altered its threat assessment or issued new multilateral responses, emphasizing readiness without provoking escalation.
• Recent incidents include airspace violations, sabotage attempts, and drone attacks attributed to Russia, with intelligence suggesting a rise in hybrid incidents across Europe, though it remains unclear if there is imminent danger of a direct attack.
• Analysts suggest the warnings may serve to raise public awareness and deter Russian provocations, as NATO officials stress the alliance's preparedness to respond to any aggression despite Moscow's increased hybrid campaign.