Russian Hybrid Operations Against NATO Eastern Flank – Helsinki Commission Hearing Assessment

These operations integrate airspace violations, sabotage, GPS interference, shadow-fleet operations, and weaponized migration alongside continuing conventional military efforts in Ukraine.

EUROPE — Russia continues coordinated hybrid activities against NATO eastern flank states at the highest sustained intensity observed since February 2022.

A B-52H Stratofortress operating out of Morón Air Base, Spain, is escorted by a Belgian air force F-16 Fighting Falcon

Drones Spotted Over Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium

Polish MiG-29 Fighters Intercept Russian Il-20 Reconnaissance Aircraft Over Baltic Sea

Russian Military Aircraft Violates Lithuanian Airspace

These operations integrate airspace violations, sabotage, GPS interference, shadow-fleet operations, and weaponized migration alongside continuing conventional military efforts in Ukraine.

U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) conducted hearing titled “Deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank” on November 17, 2025.

Witnesses — Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Center for Strategic and International Studies Defense and Security Department President Seth G. Jones, and Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Peter Rough — delivered unified assessment that Russian conduct constitutes systematic probing of NATO defenses requiring strengthened allied deterrence posture.

Russian Hybrid Activities – Current Pattern