NATO Admiral doesn't rule out direct clash with Russia: Response would be catastrophic for Moscow
Photo: Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone (president.gov.ua)
Since the 1990s, Russia has cyclically resorted to aggression and invasion of neighboring countries. Any reckless move by Moscow toward NATO will threaten it with a catastrophic response, says the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
The Strategic Concept and Military Strategy of NATO identify Russia and terrorist groups as the main threats, he said.
“Regarding a possible clash (with Russia - ed.), as a military man, I would tell you that, should Russia make such an unwise move, the response would be catastrophic for Moscow. No doubt, our forces and capabilities, as NATO, largely overwhelm Russia’s,” he said.
Dragone noted that the likelihood of a clash with Russia is low but not impossible because of the Alliance's deterrence and defense posture.
Answering the question of whether there is a risk of Russia invading other European countries in case of defeat in Ukraine, he reminded that the Baltic states, Romania, and Poland are members of the Alliance, and therefore the enemy will face a response from all 32 member states.
“Since the 1990s, Russia has cyclically repeated itself, with aggressions and invasions of neighboring countries, often using hybrid, destabilization campaigns below the threshold of war. It is a pattern that is now well documented,” he explained.
According to Dragone, the Alliance must deter any potential ambitions of Russia or any other adversary to act against NATO. In this regard, all negotiations should be backed by a position of strength, as the combination of soft and hard power is a unique feature of this military-political alliance.
The risk of war between Russia and NATO
Relations between Russia and NATO remain tense. The Kremlin regularly threatens NATO countries with nuclear blackmail and demonstrative military exercises near NATO's borders. The West continues to support Ukraine by supplying weapons, tightening sanctions against Russia, and strengthening the defense of the Alliance's eastern flank.
Although Kyiv's allies are not seeking a direct military clash, they are preparing for possible scenarios, including provocations or hybrid attacks from Russia.
Recently, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda admitted that Russia could attack European countries by 2030.
