NATO’s top commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, warned Russia that any attack on NATO territory would lead to the destruction of all involved forces. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, he emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance with a strategy focused on blocking, blunting, and breaking enemy forces to make attacks pointless. His comments reflect rising tensions between Europe and Russia, alongside concerns regarding US President Donald Trump’s commitment to NATO’s mutual defense.
Grynkewich did not explicitly name Russia but directed much of his message towards Moscow, describing it as NATO’s main security threat in the 2022 Strategic Concept. He affirmed, “If someone is foolish enough to attack us, we will fight,” stressing that NATO would respond beyond just the initial attacking forces. He promised to target all support systems that sustain any aggressor’s attack.
Despite Russian claims of peaceful coexistence and denial of involvement in sabotage, Grynkewich noted that recent acts of sabotage have raised apprehension among NATO allies. His aim is to reassure the one billion citizens of NATO that the alliance is prepared and knows how to effectively respond to threats. He sought to alleviate worries about the US commitment to NATO, recalling positive statements made by Trump during a summit.
With information from Reuters
