NATO’s conventional military capabilities far exceed those of Russia, according to the alliance’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Alexis Grynkewich. In an interview with the German magazine Spiegel, the American commander stated that the military assets the alliance would deploy in a major conflict far exceed those of Moscow
and noted that Russia lacks modern assets such as F-35 fighter jets and possesses fewer contemporary destroyers and submarines than the alliance.
Grynkewich expressed confidence that Russia will not launch a large-scale conventional attack against Europe, attributing this restraint to the deterrent power of NATO’s military forces. He emphasized that to maintain this advantage, member states must continue to modernize their militaries, conduct large-scale exercises, and demonstrate their readiness. He added that NATO exercises along the eastern flank are routine and that the alliance is careful not to take actions that could be interpreted as aggression.
Shifting Tactics and Sabotage
The general argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is avoiding direct conflict because he lacks the necessary capabilities and prefers to utilize other methods, such as sabotage, arson, and terrorist attacks. Grynkewich criticized the term hybrid attacks
as too vague, stating, We must call things by their true names. Sabotage, arson or terrorist attacks are precise definitions for which there are clear countermeasures.
He warned Russia against carrying out a completely meaningless
attack against NATO, cautioning that otherwise his forces would destroy everything and every object
connected to a potential assault. Regarding the failed attack on the Leipzig airport in August, for which the German government holds Russia responsible, Grynkewich stated that the attempted attack itself constitutes a crossing of the line.
Ready to defend Allied territory 💪Nearly 15,000 troops from 11 nations are training across the High North, the Baltic region, and Poland, testing rapid manoeuvres, air defence, counter-drone, and cyber capabilities to strengthen NATO’s collective defence pic.twitter.com/521jbRiub4
Regarding the current state of tensions, Grynkewich warned that Putin is playing an dangerous game
intended to convince European citizens that supporting Ukraine is too risky and could trigger a war with Russia. He noted that, for now, this strategy is not yielding the results the Kremlin desires.
Regional Security and Deterrence
Grynkewich addressed concerns regarding the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, clarifying that NATO is a defensive alliance and would only act if attacked. So Russia has no reason to worry about Kaliningrad,
he stated. He added that Russia’s military position in the region has weakened due to the war in Ukraine, while NATO has strengthened its posture in the Baltic states. The military situation there is unfavorable for Russia,
Grynkewich noted.
The commander stressed that the alliance remains focused on maintaining its military edge to ensure the security of its members. He advocated for the acquisition of new technologies, including large numbers of one-way attack drones and more affordable cruise missiles, to bolster defensive capabilities.
Casualties and Strategic Balance
According to NATO figures, Russia has lost more than 50,000 service members in a month, with up to 28,000 killed, while Ukraine’s losses are 10 times lower. Concurrently, representatives of the three Baltic states bordering Russia remain more cautious regarding the likelihood of an invasion or other large-scale escalation.
NATO: Military Capabilities Far Exceed Russia’s
US General: NATO Military Capabilities Significantly Outperform Russia
NATO Supreme Commander: We Have Multiples More Conventional Military Capabilities Than Russia
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