“If someone is foolish enough to attack us, we will fight”: NATO military leader presents his “theory of victory”

The Atlantic Alliance will ensure that any attack against its members is “totally in vain”, assured Monday its military leader, American General Alexus Grynkewich, presenting his “theory of victory”.

“If anyone is foolish enough to attack us, we will fight. We will stop the attack and deny them the opportunity to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. In short, we will ensure that any attack against any ally proves completely futile,” he said at a Defense forum in Warsaw.

“I do not consider that a conflict is imminent or inevitable”

Asked about “hybrid” attacks in Europe, the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe also indicated that it was crucial that the member countries of the Alliance tell Russia, in a “clear and concise” message, where its “red lines” are located which must not be crossed. In a highly anticipated speech, Alexus Grynkewich presented his “victory theory” on how to best beat Russia if attacked. However, he assured that no conflict was imminent and that everything was done to avoid any misunderstanding. “I do not consider conflict to be imminent or inevitable. It is not,” he said. “We help avoid conflict by clearly articulating our defensive intentions and maintaining open lines of communication to resolve misunderstandings and promote transparency.”

Intelligence services, including those of Denmark, have however deemed an attack by Russia against NATO possible. “There is a small but growing risk that Russia will carry out limited military attacks against a NATO country neighboring Russia,” Thomas Ahrenkiel, the head of Danish military intelligence, explained on September 24. This “theory of victory” comes as NATO seeks to send a message to Moscow to put an end to what Western officials describe as a “hybrid” campaign of sabotage and interference targeting Ukraine’s supporters in its war against Russia. Fears have increased in recent months, with the Kremlin appearing to step up its actions after several high-profile incidents, including the discovery of a drone loaded with explosives at a German airport.