Key facts
- NATO is ready to respond to potential Russian escalation on Europe's eastern flank, according to Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
- Dragone stated that NATO's structure, soldiers, and weapons are ready.
- The alliance's top general said NATO is increasing its forces in number and sophistication.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of potential Russian drone or missile incursions into frontline NATO countries in the coming months.
- France and the Netherlands have echoed concerns about potential Russian provocations.
- NATO has 4,000 pages of military plans ready for protecting its eastern flank.
NATO is prepared to counter potential Russian escalation on Europe's eastern flank, according to Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the alliance's top general. His remarks follow recent warnings from European leaders about an increased risk of staged provocations by Moscow.
Dragone told reporters during a meeting of NATO's top generals in Copenhagen that "The alliance is ready, the structure is ready, the soldiers … the weapons are ready," adding that NATO was continuing to increase these forces in number and sophistication. The comments come after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia could send drones or missiles into a frontline NATO country in the "next few months" as a staged provocation. France and the Netherlands have also echoed similar concerns.
Europe has experienced a rise in airspace violations and sabotage attempts amid escalating tensions with Russia over its war in Ukraine. U.S. intelligence reports in August had also warned of Moscow's planning for a limited assault on a NATO country in the coming years.
Dragone stated that while the latest warnings were not specifically discussed by generals on Saturday, NATO has extensive military plans ready for its eastern flank, covering scenarios from minimal crisis to interference on allied soil. He emphasized that Russia's actions "aims to undermine trust and weaken our unity," but asserted that these attempts are not dividing NATO, but rather "sharpening our tools, making us much more united and determined."