Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, has issued a strong call to Western countries to respond decisively to the intensification of hybrid attacks from Russia, warning that inaction could lead to catastrophic consequences. He proposes the creation of a European Center for Combating Hybrid Warfare, which would coordinate a proactive response to increasingly aggressive threats.
The warning comes in a 125-page document, titled “Combating Hybrid Warfare: An Active Strategy,” in which Crosetto denounces the passivity of the European Union and NATO. According to him, Russia is already striking critical infrastructure, decision-making centers, and fundamental services of European states, endangering the functioning of modern societies. “We are under attack. Hybrid bombs continue to fall daily. The time for reaction has passed — now is the time for action,” he declared.
The Italian official criticizes the fact that the West, paralyzed by bureaucracy and slow decision-making processes, always reacts late to the actions of the Kremlin. “If a conventional invasion were to occur, we would not barricade ourselves in our homes hoping that the occupier would leave,” said Crosetto, advocating for an offensive approach to informational, cyber, and subversive warfare.
Poland — one of the frequent targets of these attacks — supports the idea and warns that the country “is already on the brink of a direct conflict with Russia”.