(MENAFN) NATO should explore more assertive actions toward Russia, the alliance’s top military official said, citing growing threats from what he described as Moscow’s “hybrid war.”

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, told the Financial Times that member states are considering options to shift from a reactive stance to a more proactive or aggressive posture. “We are studying everything … being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about,” he said.

Dragone also suggested that a “pre-emptive strike” could be regarded as a “defensive action,” though he acknowledged it would depart from NATO’s usual strategic approach.

Reports indicate that Eastern European diplomats have been particularly vocal in advocating tougher measures against Russia, including retaliatory cyberattacks. Dragone noted that NATO’s options are limited by legal, ethical, and jurisdictional constraints.

In September, NATO ramped up air patrols over Eastern Europe and the Baltic states in response to alleged Russian airspace violations, which Moscow denies, accusing the alliance of warmongering.

Additionally, NATO has reportedly been weighing joint offensive cyber operations targeting Moscow, while Russia maintains it has been the victim of numerous cyberattacks, some attributed to pro-Ukrainian groups. Russian Ambassador to Belgium Denis Gonchar criticized NATO for “rampant militarization” in Europe, claiming the alliance is exaggerating Moscow’s intentions.

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