Russia Is Already at War With NATO, Former US Military Commander Warns
A former senior NATO commander has warned that Russia is already conducting a form of warfare against Western countries through cyberattacks, sabotage, intimidation and other hostile activities, raising fresh concerns about European security.
Retired US General Curtis Scaparrotti, who served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe between 2016 and 2019, made the warning during an Atlantic Council event in Washington, DC.
His assessment comes amid growing tensions between Russia and Western governments over the continuing war in Ukraine, European security and the future of NATO.
Russia’s Strategy Goes Beyond Conventional Warfare
According to Scaparrotti, Russian military thinking does not necessarily separate peacetime competition from wartime operations in the same way Western countries traditionally do.
Activities such as cyber operations, interference, sabotage and political destabilisation can form part of a wider strategic campaign.
He argued that Moscow seeks to weaken NATO countries individually, damage public confidence in their governments and ultimately undermine the alliance’s unity.
His warning does not mean that Russia and NATO have formally entered a conventional war. Rather, it reflects his interpretation of Russia’s continuing hostile activities.
NATO Faces Growing Hybrid Warfare Threats
Hybrid warfare combines military and non-military methods to achieve political or strategic objectives without necessarily launching a traditional invasion.
These activities can include cyberattacks against government systems, disinformation campaigns, covert sabotage, electronic interference and attempts to disrupt critical infrastructure.
NATO has previously warned that Russian-linked hostile operations pose a serious challenge to allied security.
The alliance has responded by strengthening its defensive capabilities and increasing cooperation between member countries.
Donald Trump’s Russia Policy Raises Questions
The warnings come during renewed debate about US President Donald Trump’s approach towards Moscow.
Recent diplomatic and energy-related decisions have prompted criticism from those who believe easing economic pressure on Russia could weaken efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Supporters of diplomatic engagement argue that negotiations and economic discussions may help reduce tensions and create opportunities for a settlement.
The disagreement reflects a broader challenge for Western governments: how to pursue peace while maintaining pressure against military aggression.
Britain Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street amid the continuing diplomatic tensions.
The meeting demonstrated Britain’s stated commitment to supporting Ukraine as the country faces Russian military attacks and growing pressure on its infrastructure.
European leaders have continued to emphasise the importance of Ukraine’s security to the wider stability of the continent.
NATO Secretary General Calls for Stronger Defenses
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also warned that Russia’s hostile activities are continuing.
On 14 October, he called for stronger allied assistance to Ukraine, particularly in air defence, while emphasizing NATO’s determination to respond to hybrid threats.
The alliance maintains that its collective defense arrangements remain central to European security
Could the Conflict Escalate Into a Wider War?
The possibility of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO remains a major international concern.
However, hybrid warfare, sabotage allegations and diplomatic hostility should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that a conventional war between NATO and Russia has begun.
European officials have warned about increasing hostile activities while also indicating that a direct military attack on NATO is not necessarily imminent.
The risk of escalation nevertheless makes communication, deterrence and crisis management increasingly important.
What Happens Next?
European governments face difficult decisions about defence spending, infrastructure protection, intelligence cooperation and continued military assistance to Ukraine.
For NATO, the challenge is to maintain unity while responding to threats that may fall below the threshold of conventional armed conflict.
Scaparrotti’s comments highlight a central question facing Western leaders: how should an alliance respond when a rival uses methods that blur the boundaries between peace and war?
The coming months may prove important in determining whether tensions can be reduced through diplomacy or whether European security faces further deterioration.
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