NATO Commander Outlines Plan to Deter Russia in Europe

NATO's top military commander outlined a strategy to deter Russia and defend the alliance's European members at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, as Moscow intensified efforts to destabilize countries supporting Ukraine. Gen. Alexus G.

Grynkewich of the U.S. Air Force described the approach as "block, blunt and break," emphasizing the alliance's preparations for a potential war.

Grynkewich stressed that NATO does not consider a military confrontation with Russia imminent or inevitable. However, he cited Russian sabotage, arson, cyberattacks and disinformation as threats intended to weaken European resolve and disrupt weapons supplies to Ukraine.

The general said he had deliberately chosen to disclose the central concept of NATO's classified war plan, known as its "theory of victory." His stated objective was to strengthen confidence among the alliance's 32 member countries despite the security challenges facing Europe.

Speaking at the forum on Monday, Grynkewich sought to reassure NATO's population about the alliance's preparedness and ability to respond to a potential conflict.

"What I want to do is assure the one billion citizens of our alliance that we've got this," General Grynkewich said on Monday at the Warsaw Security Forum. "We know what we need to do. We know how we would do it."

His remarks emphasized the importance of unity among NATO members as the alliance prepares for possible escalation with Russia. The disclosure also offered a public explanation of the core principles guiding its classified military planning.

The security message came amid tensions over the policies of U.S. President Trump toward Russia and Ukraine. His decision to ease sanctions on the Kremlin to purchase Russian diesel fuel highlighted differences between NATO's military preparations and the political approaches shaping Western support for Kyiv.

Trump's position also contrasted with European efforts to sustain support for Ukraine as Russia continued activities targeting countries backing the Ukrainian government.

On Saturday, Trump appeared to blame Ukraine for the war and questioned the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said Ukraine should "get a new president."

The remarks underscored the political divisions surrounding the conflict as NATO's military leadership sought to reassure member states about the alliance's ability to deter Russia and defend its territory.