Finnish president downplays direct Russian attack on NATO despite hybrid threat concerns

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed skepticism regarding predictions that Russia could launch a direct attack against NATO by 2029, stating he sees "neither evidence nor facts" to support such claims. While doubting Moscow would target the military alliance directly, Stubb emphasized that member states must remain fully prepared for potential contingencies.

Despite low expectations of conventional conflict, security experts highlight intensifying non-conventional threats across Europe. Intelligence reports indicate Russian forces are mapping NATO defensive response systems in the Baltic Sea region, raising the likelihood of military provocations in autumn. Furthermore, reports indicate Moscow is employing European criminal gangs to conduct covert sabotage against Western arms manufacturing plants, aiming to disrupt military aid to Ukraine while avoiding triggering NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause.

Sources: Defence24, Money, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info