(MENAFN) NATO officials should explore ways to adopt a more forceful stance toward Russia, according to the alliance’s top military authority.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who chairs the NATO Military Committee, told a media outlet in an interview published Sunday that member countries have been evaluating strategies to counter what he termed Russia’s “hybrid war.”

“We are studying everything … being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about,” Dragone stated.

He added that a “pre-emptive strike” might be viewed as a “defensive action,” though it would represent a departure from NATO’s usual methods and mindset.

The report from the media outlet noted that diplomats from Eastern Europe have been particularly insistent on stronger responses to Russia, including retaliatory cyberattacks.

Dragone emphasized, however, that NATO’s choices are limited by legal and ethical considerations, as well as jurisdictional constraints.

In September, NATO intensified air patrols over Eastern Europe and the Baltic nations in reaction to alleged violations of its airspace by Russia. Moscow has rejected the allegations and accused the alliance of warmongering.

A news agency reported last week that NATO is also exploring the possibility of coordinated offensive cyber operations targeting Moscow.

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