Putin is testing NATO because he thinks the West will flinch
CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow this week comes as U.S. intelligence warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be prepared to escalate against NATO. Washington must use this moment to send a simple message to Moscow: Russia cannot attack the West from the shadows and expect the West to stay silent.
Russia is employing hybrid warfare tactics such as cyberattacks, GPS interference, and propaganda to test NATO’s cohesion and readiness without resorting to open conflict. The Baltic region and Western Europe are experiencing escalating Russian activities, including electronic warfare and suspected false-flag operations. To counter this, NATO needs a clear readiness plan for Baltic aggression, enhanced capacity to protect command and control in the information environment, and a unified message of deterrence against Moscow.
- Russia is using hybrid warfare to test NATO’s resolve and cohesion.
- Hybrid tactics include cyberattacks, GPS interference, propaganda, espionage, and sabotage.
- The Baltic region is particularly vulnerable to Russian electronic warfare and provocations.
- Western Europe is also targeted with suspected Russian-linked activities, including election interference and cyber threats.
- Russia claims the West is provoking it and plans to launch an expanded hybrid war.
- A new Russian law allows military deployment to protect citizens overseas, providing a pretext for intervention.
- Latvian intelligence warns of impending hybrid attacks on NATO’s Eastern flanks.
- NATO needs a clear readiness plan for the Baltics, enhanced information warfare defenses, and a unified message of deterrence.
- Declassifying Russian intelligence can disrupt Moscow’s plans and strengthen Allied unity.
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