Amid growing fears, NATO commander warns Russia of any possible attack

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NATO's Supreme Military Commander, US General Alexus Grinkevich, vowed on Monday that NATO would confront any attack on any of its member states, in a direct warning to Russia amid growing European fears of threats emanating from Moscow.

This message, delivered by Grinkevich from Poland, neighboring Ukraine, comes at a time when Moscow and Kiev are escalating long-range mutual attacks, especially those targeting energy facilities and infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out that Russia would adhere to an agreement announced by Donald Trump to stop these attacks, noting that Moscow targeted six facilities on Monday.

“If someone is foolish enough to attack us, we will fight,” Grinkiewicz, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, said in a speech in Warsaw. “We will stop the attack and prevent it from achieving its goals, whatever they may be.”

He also added, "We will ensure... that any attack on any ally will be completely futile."

Despite this, the American general ruled out that a confrontation was imminent, saying, “I want to make a point clear... I do not believe that a conflict is imminent or inevitable. This is not the case.”

Fears have increased in recent months that the Kremlin is escalating its activities in Europe through multiple attacks, especially after prominent incidents, including the discovery of a drone loaded with explosives at the German Leipzig Airport.

Grinkevich stressed that NATO countries must rush to hold Russia responsible when evidence is available, and send clear messages to Moscow regarding the red lines.

He continued, "It is important that the allies continue to consult and think about how to respond, and that we explain to the Russians frankly and directly where our red lines lie."

The military commander presented his "victory theory", explaining that the alliance's strategy in the event of a large-scale attack is to first stop it, then slow its progress and prevent enemy forces from infiltrating, before moving on to destroy the opponent's military capabilities if necessary.

He added, "My theory of victory is simple: We will repel the initial attack. If the attack continues, we will obstruct it and prevent the enemy's advance. If necessary, we will destroy its forces and the military operational system used against us."

In what appeared to be an indication of the possibility of resorting to nuclear escalation, he stressed that NATO would not be the first to escalate the conflict, adding that “the burden of escalation will fall entirely on the aggressor, and he alone will bear the moral, political and strategic consequences of such a decision.”

The American military commander's message came at a very sensitive time for Europe, which sees itself facing increased anti-Russian activity on the one hand, and NATO allies, on the other hand, anticipating the possibility of reducing the American military presence on the continent as part of a review conducted by the administration of US President Donald Trump of the deployment of its forces.

Washington is expected to announce the results of this review before the end of the year.

However, Grinkevich stressed that Washington remains fully committed to the principle of collective defense of the alliance, saying, “I do not think that any party should question the United States’ commitment to this alliance.”

He added that European efforts to assume greater responsibility in the field of defense make the alliance stronger. He continued, "We are now in the implementation phase, and this leads to a stronger and more unified coalition than I have seen in a long time."