Europe Raises Security Readiness as Russian Hybrid Threat Concerns Intensify

European governments are increasing security preparations as concerns grow over potential Russian cyber, sabotage, drone and other hybrid threats beyond Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that intelligence points to a risk of Russian drone or missile incidents affecting NATO territory, potentially presented as “accidents” to test the alliance’s response.
Switzerland’s new 2026 security strategy also points to a deteriorating security environment, highlighting Russia’s war in Ukraine alongside cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage and disinformation.
Finland has meanwhile urged greater public preparedness, with officials encouraging citizens to be mentally ready for possible security disruptions.
Across Europe, governments are strengthening military readiness and civil defence measures.
That includes reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank, reviewing shelter capacity, expanding reserve readiness and encouraging households to maintain emergency supplies.
The broader shift is toward preparing not only for conventional military conflict, but also for threats designed to remain below the threshold of open war.
Cyber operations, sabotage, disinformation and limited drone or missile incidents are increasingly being treated as part of the same security challenge.