Atlantic Council: Putin Must Face The Consequences Of Hybrid Attacks
- 30.09.2026, 12:46
Europe has everything it needs to do this.
Europe needs a new strategy to counter Russian hybrid aggression—one that would not only allow it to respond to attacks but also create tangible consequences for Moscow in advance, writes Atlantic Council.
Current European policy largely boils down to taking action only after Russian attacks have already occurred. At the same time, EU decisions are often delayed due to the need for coordination among all member states.
The authors suggest that one possible solution is to strengthen European air defense for Ukraine. European countries should consider expanding the “European Sky Shield” initiative to western regions of Ukraine.
“It is better to to shoot down Russian missiles and drones while they are still in Ukrainian airspace,” Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said earlier. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also said that it is in the country’s interest to support Ukraine so that the missiles are intercepted there and do not reach Polish territory.
Experts cite Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to transport oil, as another area of pressure. European countries are being urged to be more proactive in detaining ships without the necessary insurance or certificates and to explore the possibility of confiscating them.
In addition, it is proposed to increase financial pressure on Moscow by freezing Russian assets. Freezing more than $200 billion in reserves held by the Central Bank of Russia has not, in and of itself, changed the Kremlin’s behavior.
At the same time, such measures carry serious risks, including potential escalation and consequences for the European financial system.
“A genuine strategy against hybrid threats must identify levers of pressure on Russia and turn them into consequences that the Kremlin truly fears,” the authors argue.
Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims
You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com
