NATO Commander Says Alliance Ready to Fight if Attacked
NATO's top military commander says the alliance is 'ready to fight tonight' if attacked, as European officials warn of potential Russian incursions.
POLICY WIRE — Warsaw, Poland — NATO’s top military commander said the alliance is “ready to fight tonight” if it is attacked, as European officials warn Russia could test NATO’s defenses with increased covert attacks or a limited military incursion.
European nations have in recent months faced an escalation of covert Russian activity, including an arson attack on an Estonian defense company and a failed attempt to attack a Ukrainian aircraft at a German airport. If Russia decides to attack NATO, the alliance will respond by using sensors, autonomous systems and military force to stop any assault, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich said in Warsaw Monday.
Grynkewich spoke at the Warsaw Security Forum to set out what he called NATO’s “Theory of Victory.” The NATO commander said he does not believe that a conflict is imminent or inevitable and that the most effective way to preserve peace is to prepare for war and to maintain open lines of communication to “resolve misunderstandings.”
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
