NATO top commander to warn Russia over alliance’s ability to counter attack

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   NATO Commander Warns Russia Attack Would Be "Utterly Futile"

   US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, warned Russia on Monday that the alliance is "ready to fight tonight" if attacked. Speaking at a security conference in Warsaw, Grynkewich stated that NATO would destroy "anything and everything" involved in an assault, describing such a move as "utterly futile." He outlined a "theory of victory" utilizing military force, sensors, and autonomous systems to stop any incursion. While emphasizing that the alliance does not want war, Grynkewich argued that preparing for conflict is essential to maintaining peace.

   Why it matters

   The warning comes as European officials report an escalation in covert Russian activity, including an arson attack on an Estonian defense firm and a failed attempt to target a Ukrainian plane in Germany. Poland has specifically urged NATO to prepare for deadly hybrid attacks. These tensions coincide with an ongoing review of US troop deployments across Europe.

   What is confirmed

   • US General Alexus Grynkewich is the Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
   • Grynkewich stated on Monday in Warsaw that NATO is "ready to fight tonight" if attacked.
   • The NATO commander warned that a Russian attack would be "utterly futile."
   • NATO would respond to an attack using military force, autonomous systems, and sensors.
   • Grynkewich stated NATO forces would destroy "anything and everything" involved in an attack if Moscow launched one.

   Still unconfirmed

   • European nations have faced a failed attempt to attack a Ukrainian aircraft at a German airport.
   • An arson attack targeted an Estonian defense company.
   • NATO is currently reviewing US troop deployments in Europe.

   What to watch next

   • Official Russian government response to the Warsaw warnings
   • Further evidence of covert Russian sabotage operations in Europe
   • Updates on US troop deployment levels in Europe
   Sources used for this update (25)

   1. inews.co.uk — Minute by minute, how a Russian attack on Europe would unfold
   2. www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
   3. www.france24.com — France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and...
   4. France 24 — NATO top commander to warn Russia over alliance’s ability to counter attack
   5. Financial Times — Nato should prepare for deadly Russian ‘hybrid’ attack, says Poland
   6. Bloomberg.com — NATO Commander Says Ukraine Aid Will Deter Putin’s Europe Threat
   7. The Guardian — The more Putin escalates his attacks on Europe, the more Europe should support Ukraine | Timothy Garton Ash
   8. Tomorrow's Affairs — Deterrence by punishment – NATO needs more effective protection of its frontline states
   9. TVP World — NATO 'ready to act' if Russia attacks, general tells TVP World in exclusive interview
   10. The Economist — The future of war, NATO-style
   11. www.france24.com — NATO top commander to warn Russia over alliance’s ability to counter-attack - France 24
   12. WSJ — NATO’s Top Commander Lays Out Plan to Thwart a Russian Attack on the Alliance
   confidence 95%