BRUSSELS, Aug 30 - A NATO official said on Sunday that while Russia has stepped up hybrid acts across Europe, the alliance does not currently assess an imminent risk of a direct attack on its members.
The official described a situation in which Moscow, despite facing "very substantial resistance from Ukraine," has intensified both its attacks on Ukraine and hybrid activities within Europe. The official added that the alliance is maintaining constant vigilance.
"Even as the Russians are facing very substantial resistance from Ukraine, they are stepping up attacks on Ukraine as well as hybrid acts in Europe," the official said. "As always, NATO remains vigilant and alert to the variety of threats we face. At this time, we see no imminent threat of attack," the official said, adding: "We continue to stand with Ukraine. And NATO continues to work around the clock to keep our one billion people safe."
The comments came amid heightened statements from European leaders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Saturday that Poland and NATO must be ready for a range of scenarios, and that a provocation by Russia against any NATO member cannot be ruled out.
Intelligence contacts have also been active. CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Russia on Tuesday for a brief meeting with intelligence counterparts. Two sources familiar with the matter said Ratcliffe raised the possibility of a Russian operation against a NATO member during that encounter, though it was not clear whether that was the only reason for the trip.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that the government will soon disclose who is responsible for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport earlier this month. There has been no public announcement of perpetrators to date.
Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in planning sabotage or conducting attacks inside Europe, and it rejects such claims as Western scaremongering.
The NATO official emphasized continued support for Ukraine while stressing vigilance across the alliance. Political and intelligence-level discussions are continuing as national leaders and agencies assess potential scenarios and attribution questions related to recent incidents.