NATO foreign ministers discuss hybrid threats, Ukraine conflict in Brussels

NATO foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to address hybrid threats, including sabotage, cyberattacks and the weaponization of energy by Russia and China. They are also discussing the potential escalation of the Ukraine conflict and rising cybersecurity risks that threaten NATO nations.

Key points

• Hybrid threats: NATO is focused on Russia and China’s efforts to destabilize member countries through sabotage, cybercrime and weaponizing energy.
• Defensive measures: Ministers are exploring how to strengthen defenses, improve intelligence-sharing, and safeguard critical infrastructure against these growing threats.
• Worsening Ukraine conflict: NATO leaders are concerned about the Ukraine conflict expanding, especially with Russia involving North Korea, which has significantly intensified the war.
• Georgia, cybersecurity: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also raised concerns over Russia’s interference in Georgia’s elections, reaffirming NATO’s support for Georgia’s EU and NATO integration.
• South Korea’s martial law: Rutte refrained from commenting on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law, choosing to monitor the situation closely as it develops.

• Latvian foreign minister’s opinion: Baiba Braze criticized the term “hybrid,” saying, “An attack is an attack; there’s no such thing as hybrid.”

The NATO meeting highlights the alliance’s ongoing efforts to respond to complex security threats posed by Russia and China. While military readiness is still a priority, NATO is also focusing on cybersecurity, energy security and international cooperation to address these evolving hybrid threats.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is representing Türkiye at the meeting.