World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
NATO commander outlines response to a possible Russian attack
NATO’s top military commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, described the alliance’s response to a possible attack in a speech in Warsaw, Poland.
He said NATO would first stop an attack, then prevent enemy forces from advancing, and destroy their ability to keep fighting if necessary.
NATO is a defensive alliance whose members have pledged to defend one another.
European officials have warned of increased Russian sabotage and other covert activity, and some have raised concerns about a possible limited attack on NATO countries.
Grynkewich said he does not believe conflict is imminent or inevitable, and that preparation and communication can help preserve peace.
He urged NATO members to coordinate their response to Russian activity and make clear where the alliance’s limits are.
European countries are strengthening their militaries as the United States reviews its troop deployments in Europe, with the results expected toward the end of the year.
NATO’s top military commander said the alliance would stop and defeat an attack on any member.
General Alexus Grynkewich outlined a response of blocking an initial attack, blunting it if it continues and breaking the enemy’s forces if necessary.
Speaking in Warsaw on Monday, October 12, he said he did not consider conflict with Russia imminent or inevitable.
His remarks came amid European concerns about Russian sabotage and the possibility of a limited military incursion.
Grynkewich said allies should coordinate their response and make their red lines clear to Moscow.
- Who
- NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich.
- What
- He outlined how NATO would respond to an attack on an alliance member.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Warsaw, Poland, at the Warsaw Security Forum.
- Why
- European officials have warned about increased Russian covert activity and the possibility of a limited attack.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
European nations faced an escalation of covert Russian activity, including incidents in Estonia and Germany.
Grynkewich outlined NATO’s response to a possible attack in a speech at the Warsaw Security Forum.
Le Monde reported that the results of a U.S. review of troop deployments in Europe were expected to be announced.
- Commander
- Alexus Grynkewich
- Event location
- Warsaw, Poland
- Response strategy
- Block, blunt and break
- Threat assessment
- Conflict is not imminent or inevitable
- Forum date
- October 12, 2026
What people are saying
We will block the initial attack. If the attack persists, we will blunt it and prevent any enemy advance. And if required, we will break the enemy’s forces and the operational war-fighting system arrayed against us.
If someone is foolish enough to attack us, we will fight. We will stop the attack and deny them the ability to achieve their objectives, whatever those may be,
Let me make one point very clear: I do not assess that conflict is imminent or inevitable. It isn't,
Sources
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