Key facts
- NATO's top commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, presented a "Theory of Victory" to counter Russian aggression.
- The plan involves land-based troops, supported by air, naval, cyber, and space capabilities, to stop an assault.
- NATO would then use sensors and autonomous systems to overwhelm enemy formations.
- Precision munitions and unmanned systems would be used to break the enemy's warfighting system.
- The plan accounts for scenarios where the U.S. may be engaged in other priorities.
- NATO would be prepared to respond to nuclear escalation, including with its own nuclear arsenal.
NATO's top commander, U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, has laid out a new military blueprint, dubbed the "Theory of Victory," designed to deter and counter any potential Russian aggression against the alliance. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on October 12, 2026, Grynkewich emphasized that NATO would be prepared to fight and repel an attack, even if U.S. forces were occupied with other global priorities.
The three-part strategy aims to first stop an assault using land-based troops supported by air, naval, cyber, and space capabilities. Subsequently, NATO would employ sensors and autonomous systems to overwhelm enemy formations, followed by precision munitions and unmanned systems to dismantle the aggressor's warfighting capabilities. This forceful response is intended to send a clear signal to Moscow that any attack on NATO territory would be met with decisive action.
Grynkewich acknowledged that the plan's credibility hinges on the commitment and coordination of all allies, particularly in light of potential shifts in U.S. military focus. He noted that while U.S. commitment to the alliance is unwavering, troop deployment decisions are ultimately political. A senior European defense official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that European nations are prepared to fight Russia with or without significant U.S. involvement.
The plan also addresses the potential for escalation, with Grynkewich stating that NATO would be ready to respond to nuclear threats, including with its own nuclear arsenal, to match any enemy move up the escalation ladder. This comes amid heightened tensions and a letter from Moscow threatening nuclear use if its Kaliningrad exclave were threatened.