Kulbergs in Kyiv: Russia's hybrid war has ultimately made NATO stronger
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said at a meeting in Kyiv that Russia's hybrid threats against Europe — disinformation, orchestrated migration and cyberattacks — have ultimately strengthened NATO. He described the ongoing pressure as Russia's war against the West, the EU and NATO.
Speaking at a meeting in Kyiv on August 24, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said Russia continues to pose growing hybrid threats to Europe through disinformation, migration manipulation and other tactics aimed at destabilizing the continent. He characterized this as effectively a Russian war against the West, the European Union and NATO.
Migration used as a weapon
Kulbergs pointed to a well-organized migration campaign run by the Kremlin with Belarus's assistance as one of the most significant threats, noting that criminal organizations profit from the scheme. He said the campaign tests Europe's ability to respond, its technical capacity and speed of reaction. Belarus has previously been accused of channeling migrants toward Lithuania, Latvia and Poland after the EU imposed sanctions on Minsk in 2021, with Russia also linked to supporting the effort.
Cyberattacks and drone incidents
According to Kulbergs, migration is only one part of a broader Russian campaign that also includes cyberattacks, interference with electoral processes and attempts to influence public opinion in several countries. The Baltic states have faced multiple drone-related incidents in recent months — in May, Lithuania issued its first-ever air alert over a suspected drone from Belarus, and on August 14, NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace.
NATO grown stronger
Kulbergs concluded that Russia's aggressive actions have backfired, strengthening rather than weakening NATO. He noted that in response to Russia's behavior, Sweden and Finland have since joined the alliance.
