U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration’s new envoy to NATO are seeking to reassure wary NATO members of the U.S. commitment to the alliance

The assignment was part of a new program aimed at suspected Russian sabotage. None has occurred since NATO began patrols.

"The elevated global threat level increases the risk that nuclear weapons may be used," Swedish authorities said in updated guidance late last year.

Experts said damage to undersea pipes and cables could disrupt energy supply and communications systems. One senior MP warned that any such damage could pose “a serious threat” to U.K. security.

France or Britain should take the lead in engaging with Russia about Ukraine as part of European efforts to support Kyiv, Finland's president Alexander Stubb said on Thursday.

Sweden sent its Gripen jets to a NATO air defense mission in Poland, shifting from conducting missions only over its own territory.

Baltic Sentry mission taps ships, planes and drones to police one of the world’s busiest waterways.

NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels on Thursday to discuss strengthening the alliance's defence capabilities, as European allies face increasing pressure from the US to raise spending while dealing with the threat posed by Russia.