NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General James Appathurai has issued a warning about Russia’s increasing hybrid warfare tactics amid fears of an escalation in its war with Ukraine.

NATO countries face a real threat of unconventional attacks from Russia. Hybrid attacks, such as sabotage or arson, could result in “substantial” losses, says NATO representative James Appathurai, who is working on updating NATO's strategy to track and deter hybrid warfare.

A Finnish newspaper has obtained plans for Russia's attack on NATO's eastern flank. Putin intends to create a buffer zone in Finland and Norway. This scenario has reportedly already been rehearsed during military manoeuvres.