NATO countries are intensifying intelligence exchange in response to the wave of sabotage and other incidents apparently linked to Russia, but the alliance should be “calm and confident” that it can handle any threat posed by Moscow, said the top commander of the international military organization on Thursday.
Alexus Grynkewich asserts that the alliance is reacting to sabotage incidents related to Russia. A large-scale Russian attack on NATO is unlikely, but cannot be ruled out, says the American general.
The statements of General Alexus Grynkewich, from the US Air Forces, who is also the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) – that is, the highest military position within NATO, came after the Danish military intelligence service warned that Russia could intensify the hybrid war – a term that covers a series of attacks below the level of a conventional military assault – against the West “in the coming months”.
The Danish service, FE, added that there is a “reduced but growing risk” that Moscow could launch a limited military attack against one or more NATO countries bordering Russia.
“It is worrying,” stated Grynkewich, referring to the series of incidents in recent weeks, among which the attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany and the Russian ship that fired signal rockets at a Danish military helicopter.
“But we should remain calm and confident that we, as an alliance – the strongest alliance in history -, have the tools and mechanisms necessary to manage the risk in this situation“, added the American general.
Regarding the assessment of the Danish military information service, he stated that it is “quite balanced”.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in the hybrid war or sabotage operations in NATO countries, as well as any intention to provoke a confrontation.
General says Putin “would do well not to try” to attack during “my term”.
Grynkewich made these statements in a telephone interview given to the international press agency Reuters, while heading to a handover ceremony at the NATO headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, where a British Army general takes over from a US Navy vice admiral.
When asked about the risk of a limited Russian attack on NATO territory, Grynkewich emphasized the alliance’s preparedness for any such emergency situation, stating that such a development is “unlikely, but we cannot rule it out.”
However, the general also stated to Reuters that “currently, we are all countries on the eastern flank” of the alliance, considering the nature and scale of threats to NATO.
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