NATO commander urges Europe to boost aid to Ukraine in response to Russian hybrid attacks
Photo: NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich (Getty Images)
Europe should step up its support for Ukraine in response to Russia’s hybrid attacks against countries across the continent. This would help show Moscow that its attempts to intimidate the West are failing, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, stated.
According to the general, Russia is stepping up its aggressive actions against European countries. These include violations of NATO airspace, arson attacks, sabotage and cyberattacks.
“They’re trying to break our collective will,” Grynkewich said at the Warsaw Security Forum on October 11.
Grynkewich cited Denmark and Germany as examples of countries that increased their assistance to Ukraine following hybrid attacks on their territory. He said this was the right response because it shows Russia that its attempts to pressure European allies will not achieve their intended goals.
“Those are appropriate responses that show Russia that the objectives that they’re seeking to attain are unobtainable,” the general explained.
NATO ready to publicly identify those responsible for sabotage
Grynkewich noted that Russia’s hybrid attacks are taking place as its military suffers significant losses in the war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are increasing economic pressure on Russia by striking oil refineries and data centers deep inside Russian territory.
NATO generally leaves decisions on how to respond to such incidents to individual member states. However, the general said he was prepared to publicly identify those responsible if a concerned country asked him to do so.
Why aid to Ukraine matters for Europe’s security
The commander acknowledged that political forces opposed to continued support for Ukraine are gaining ground in European countries. Elections scheduled in several countries in 2027 will pose an additional test.
However, Grynkewich believes Ukraine’s strategic importance to European security will outweigh these political differences. He said that even those who currently question the need to help Kyiv will eventually understand why such support is essential to their own national security.
“I think it will become very obvious to them very quickly what the right thing to do is, and why it’s necessary for their own national security,” the general said.
NATO preparing a plan in case Russia attacks
During his visit to Poland, Grynkewich is also presenting the alliance’s approach to achieving a swift victory over Russia if Moscow invades NATO territory.
According to the commander, making the so-called “theory of victory” public is intended to strengthen deterrence against Moscow. Russia must understand the consequences it would face if it attempted to seize territory belonging to a NATO member.
The plan calls for combining drones and artificial intelligence technologies with NATO’s existing military advantages. Grynkewich specifically mentioned F-35 fighter jets.
At the same time, the general stressed the need to pursue opportunities for a diplomatic settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war whenever they arise.
Previously, the Military Committee of NATO recently arrived in Kyiv for the first time in eight years. Representatives of all 32 member countries discussed the battlefield situation and continued support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged European countries to prepare for a prolonged campaign of Russian hybrid attacks.
