Ukraine has issued an urgent warning to NATO allies that Russia will be deploying "hybrid threats" around their borders.

"The appearance of North Korean troops dressed in Russian uniforms or Iranian proxies on the borders of NATO countries is quite realistic if Russia is not stopped now. The North Korean military is already fighting in Europe.

NATO sources told the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti that Russia will try to create a 'buffer zone' stretching from the Arctic to the Mediterranean Sea.

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.