Biggest threat from Russia is its recklessness, says US ambassador to NATO
Photo: US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker (Getty Images)
Russia is trying to convince the world that it is a bear, and that the greatest threat comes from its reckless and incompetent actions, said the US ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker.
Whitaker noted that Russia tries every day to convince the world that it is a bear. But, as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, bears don't need to prove they are bears—they just are.
He added that allies tend to overestimate Russia, while its actual strength is much lower.
According to Whitaker, Russians are ready to sacrifice tens, hundreds, or even millions of their own citizens on the battlefield without gaining any strategic advantage.
He explained that the West prepares not because Russia is a massive economy with a powerful army. After almost four years, it has still failed to occupy even 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Russia is dangerous because it is reckless and incompetent, and the world must be ready for it to do something foolish, the US ambassador noted.
Whitaker previously said that the Russian threat to Western countries is somewhat exaggerated, as Moscow has failed to achieve major success in its war against Ukraine. He added that as Russia's economy continues to weaken, sustaining such a war will become increasingly difficult for the country.
