NATO’s top military commander is expected to warn Russia on Monday of the alliance’s ability to counter any attack, as concerns grow over the threat from Moscow.
NATO officials said US General Alexus Grynkewich – the supreme allied commander in Europe – would develop his “victory theory” over any potential attack at a security conference in Warsaw.
The move by the top military commander comes as NATO seeks to send a message to Moscow to end what Western officials call a “hybrid” campaign of sabotage and interference against Ukraine’s supporters in the war against Russia.
Fears have grown in recent months that the Kremlin will step up its actions after high-profile incidents, including the discovery of an explosives-laden drone at a German airport.
“The Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s theory of victory is simple: maintain NATO’s advantage, which is consistent and grounded in the alliance’s deterrence and defense plans,” Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesman for the US general, said last week.
“But given the volatile and complex global security environment, we must establish the conditions now to deter aggression and, if necessary, win if attacked,” O’Donnell said, noting that the theory establishes a framework for doing so.
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Cover image: © France 24
NATO – which was founded in the aftermath of World War II to counter the Soviet Union – traditionally closely monitors its defense plans to counter any attacks from Russia.
It seems unlikely that Grynkewich’s intervention will reveal new details about NATO strategy. It aims both to send a signal to Moscow and to reassure members of the eastern flank of the alliance.
NATO insists it remains a defensive alliance and has no plans to attack Russia.
Western officials say Moscow’s “hybrid attacks” have become more reckless as Kremlin forces are pinned down in Ukraine and risk causing significant loss of life.
The alliance – whose main goal is to deter an armed Russian invasion – has struggled to figure out how to handle incidents in the gray zone of open conflict.
NATO civilian chief Mark Rutte urged countries to remain “calm, carry on and support Ukraine”.
“We should not be naive… about Russia, but they know we are stronger,” Rutte said last month.
But the resumption of Russian activity comes at a time of potential vulnerability for Europe. Allies are currently preparing for possible reductions in US forces in Europe as the Pentagon conducts a review of its deployments on the continent.
The results of the process are expected to be announced towards the end of the year.
European countries are already racing to strengthen their armed forces as doubts grow about the reliability of the United States under President Donald Trump.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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