Scaparrotti Says Russian Hybrid Activity Is Warfare Against NATO

Retired U.S. General Curtis Scaparrotti said Russia’s hybrid activities amount to warfare against NATO, warning that Moscow has a long-term strategy to weaken the alliance and urging members to protect critical infrastructure. Scaparrotti made the assessment at an Atlantic Council event in Washington. He said Russian doctrine does not draw the same line between peace and war that Western governments do, and described cyberattacks, drone activity and other actions short of a conventional assault as part of that approach. His remarks were a strategic assessment, not evidence of a conventional conflict between Russian and NATO forces. Scaparrotti, who served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2016 to 2019, said the activities were intended to undermine individual countries’ ability to support military operations and weaken public confidence in governments and the alliance. He warned that such actions should not be treated as isolated incidents, arguing they reflect a sustained plan. NATO’s serving Supreme Allied Commander, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, separately said in Warsaw that the alliance was ready to fight if attacked.