Europe has grappled with a growing number of airspace violations and sabotage attempts in recent weeks, as tensions with Russia continue to rise over its full-scale war in Ukraine. In August, U.S. intelligence reports warned that Moscow was planning a limited assault on a NATO country in the coming years.
Dragone, the chair of NATO’s military committee, said the alliance’s generals on Saturday did not discuss the latest warnings but argued NATO had “4,000 pages” of military plans ready for protecting its eastern flank, starting from scenarios involving a “minimal crisis or interference [on] our soil.” NATO allies agreed on three operational regional defense plans in 2023 following Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine.
Allies are “ready in case of an escalation,” Dragone said. “In case of an attack, we know how to do it.”
“Russia’s reckless behaviour over the last weeks and months … continues to test allied resolve” and “aims to undermine trust and weaken our unity,” Dragone said, adding: “I want to be clear — these attempts are not dividing us. They are sharpening our tools, making us much more united and determined.”