NATO COMMANDER WARNS ATTACK ON ALLIANCE WOULD BE FUTILE

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, said any attack on the alliance would be "utterly futile", in a speech delivered in Warsaw. He said that if an adversary were "foolish enough to attack us, we will fight", adding that NATO would "stop the attack and deny them the ability to achieve their objectives, whatever those may be". Grynkewich set out what he described as his "theory of victory" for defeating an armed attack on the alliance. He said NATO would first block an initial attack, and if it persisted, would act to "blunt it and prevent enemy advance" before moving to destroy an opponent's ability to keep fighting. He said he did not assess that conflict with Russia was "imminent or inevitable".

The comments come amid concern among Western officials over what they describe as a "hybrid" campaign of sabotage, interference and cyberattacks they attribute to Moscow. Officials have pointed to incidents including the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at a German airport as evidence of increased activity. Grynkewich said NATO allies needed to move quickly to attribute blame to Russia once evidence is available, and should communicate clearly where the alliance's "red lines" lie. He said allies should "continue to consult, think about how we might respond, and make sure that we message clearly and concisely to the Russians". NATO has stated it is a defensive alliance and is not seeking to invade Russia.

Separately, NATO's top military commander has said the alliance does not want war but is "ready to fight tonight" if attacked, according to one report. European officials have also warned that Russia could test NATO's defences through increased covert action or a limited military incursion, the same report said. Grynkewich did not set out a timetable for any further NATO statements or actions on the matter.