NATO Commander Says Russia Is Not Seeking Direct Conflict

US General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has said intelligence does not suggest Russia is seeking direct conflict with the Alliance. His remarks came amid allied concerns that deterrence could weaken as Washington prepares to withdraw some US military assets from Europe.

Speaking at the ILA Berlin Air Show, Grynkewich said his role was to ensure Moscow understood that any attack on the Baltic states could not succeed. He also said NATO was ready to fight if necessary.

Washington plans to reduce some of the US capabilities assigned to the NATO Force Model. According to the German newspaper Die Welt, the assets could include an aircraft carrier strike group, cruise missile submarines, patrol aircraft, tankers and F-16 and F-15E fighter jets.

Grynkewich confirmed that the US needed some air and maritime capabilities for a possible crisis in the Pacific. At the same time, he said he was preparing contingency plans for situations in which NATO might have limited access to some assets.

On the war in Ukraine, he said the front line remained relatively stable and that Russian advances were slow and accompanied by high casualties.

(ft, bak)