NATO Commander Warns of Strong Response to Russian Attacks

NATO’s top military leader cautioned on Monday that the alliance would take decisive action against anything aiding an assault on member nations, potentially dismantling the enemy’s military capabilities to prevent any future Russian attack.

U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich spoke during the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, stating that if opposing forces decide to escalate their attacks or deploy their reserves, NATO’s response would effectively neutralize those efforts. “We will dismantle not only the attacking troops but also all supporting elements,” he emphasized during a discussion on military strategy regarding deterrence against Russia.

Grynkewich, who is NATO’s supreme commander in Europe, outlined a strategy based on three principles: “blocking, blunting, and breaking” enemy forces. He made it clear that even though NATO’s foundation lies in defense, they are prepared for a staunch response if any of its 32 member states are threatened.

He asserted, “If someone foolishly decides to attack us, we will respond with force. The goal is to halt the aggression and obstruct their objectives, whatever they may be. In other words, we will make any attack on an ally completely pointless.”

These remarks come as tensions are rising between Russia and Western countries, particularly after several drone incidents and alleged acts of sabotage linked to Moscow.

“Today, in Poland, we stand stronger than ever, united in our vision for a more balanced, responsive, and lethal alliance,” Grynkewich remarked.

European leaders have accused Russia of engaging in hybrid warfare tactics, including cyberattacks, as well as aggressive military maneuvers near NATO borders.

Notably, in 2025, incidents involving Russian drones breaching Polish airspace led to responses from Polish and allied forces, prompting NATO to initiate Operation Eastern Sentry aimed at bolstering defenses along its eastern edge. Furthermore, Romania and Estonia have reported similar incursions from Russian military aircraft.

Grynkewich’s statements follow a tense recent history, including Moscow’s renewed strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which have occurred despite diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

Also in September, Russia issued threats about using nuclear weapons if NATO attempted to isolate Kaliningrad, a heavily fortified enclave stationed between Poland and Lithuania. They warned that NATO’s actions could lead to high-stakes direct conflict.

In a diplomatic letter, Moscow expressed that they could employ their comprehensive military capabilities, including nuclear options, to defend Kaliningrad and suggested potential strikes against NATO decision centers at the onset of conflict.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that the alliance is defensive in nature and urged Russia to cease its operations in Ukraine. “Putin knows he can’t triumph over NATO,” Rutte stated during a recent summit.

While Grynkewich didn’t mention Russia explicitly in his address, his warnings were clearly directed at the nation, particularly with NATO’s 2022 strategic assessment labeling Russia as a significant threat to the security of allied nations.

“My approach to victory is straightforward: we must halt the initial assault. Should the aggression continue, we will thwart it, and if needed, we will dismantle the forces arrayed against us,” he explained.

Grynkewich added that NATO is already in the process of executing this strategy through military exercises, bolstered readiness, and investments in new capabilities.

He reassured the public by stating, “If attacked, we will be ready to engage, but we aren’t complacent.” He highlighted that NATO’s response could extend beyond direct attackers to include the extensive military infrastructure enabling such acts.

In closing, he noted that he is more than willing to discuss hybrid threats if individual NATO member states request his insights.

The Warsaw Security Forum gathered key European political and military leaders to address the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and the escalating risk along NATO’s eastern front.