NATO’s top military commander has warned Russia that the alliance would destroy the forces and support systems involved in any attack on its territory.
Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and break any assault against its members. He stressed that the alliance remained defensive but would respond with decisive military force if attacked.
“If someone is foolish enough to attack us, we will fight,” Grynkewich said. He added that NATO would ensure any attack against an ally proved “utterly futile.”
NATO Response Would Go Beyond the Front Lines
Grynkewich explained that NATO’s response would target more than the forces carrying out an initial assault. The alliance would also seek to disrupt the wider military system supporting the attack.
“Should the adversary choose to press the attack or commit his reserves, we will break the warfighting system engaged against us,” he said.
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He added that the response would include “anything and everything” that supports, sustains and controls the attacking force. His remarks signalled that NATO’s military response could extend beyond the immediate battlefield.
Although Grynkewich did not name Russia directly during his speech, his warning came amid rising tensions between Moscow and European governments. NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept identifies Russia as the alliance’s most significant security threat.
European Allies Concerned About Russian Activities
European governments have accused Moscow of intensifying sabotage, drone incursions and cyberattacks across the continent. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in sabotage and other alleged hybrid operations.
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Tensions have also grown over Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. Moscow warned last month that it could use nuclear weapons if NATO tried to cut off the territory, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said this month that Moscow had no plans to attack a European country and wanted peaceful coexistence. However, European leaders remain concerned about Russia’s intentions following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
NATO Commander Seeks to Reassure Allies
Grynkewich said he decided to speak publicly about NATO’s military plans because reports of sabotage and arson had increased anxiety among people in allied countries.
“What I want to do is assure the one billion citizens of our alliance that we’ve got this,” he said. “We know what we need to do. We know how we would do it.”
He added that his message also aimed to deter anyone considering an attack on NATO members.
The commander also sought to reassure allies about Washington’s commitment to the alliance. He recalled that US President Donald Trump spoke of “love” at a NATO summit in Ankara in July.
“I was in the room and I felt the love,” Grynkewich said.
His comments came amid renewed debate over US support for NATO, as European governments weigh the alliance’s readiness against growing tensions with Russia.
