World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack
NATO’s top military commander said the alliance is ready to fight if attacked during a speech in Warsaw, Poland.
US General Alexus Grynkewich spoke as European officials warn that Russia could increase covert attacks or attempt a limited incursion against NATO members.
Recent incidents cited include an arson attack on an Estonian defence company and an alleged failed attempt to attack a Ukrainian aircraft at a German airport.
Grynkewich outlined a plan to block an attack, blunt it and break the forces behind it if necessary.
He said NATO does not seek war and does not consider conflict imminent or inevitable, but that preparing for war can help preserve peace.
The message is meant to reassure NATO citizens and deter Russia, amid concerns about sabotage and uncertainty among European allies over US commitment to the alliance.
Grynkewich said NATO members need to coordinate their response and keep communication open to resolve misunderstandings.
NATO’s top military commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, said the alliance would fight if attacked.
He outlined NATO’s response at the Warsaw Security Forum on October 12, saying it would block an assault and stop an enemy from achieving its objectives.
Grynkewich said NATO would use sensors, autonomous systems and military force, and could target systems supporting an attacking force.
He said he does not believe conflict is imminent or inevitable and described NATO as a defensive alliance.
He said he wanted to reassure the alliance’s citizens and deter further escalation.
- Who
- NATO’s top military commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich.
- What
- He said NATO is ready to fight and would respond if the alliance were attacked.
- When
- October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Warsaw Security Forum in Warsaw, Poland.
- Why
- He said he wanted to reassure NATO citizens and deter an attack; European officials have warned of possible Russian threats.
NATO
Russia
Stated intentions
NATO
NATO says it is defensive and does not believe conflict is imminent or inevitable.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia had no plans to attack a European country and wanted peaceful coexistence.
Allegations
NATO
European governments accuse Moscow of increasing sabotage, drone incursions and cyberattacks.
Russia
Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in sabotage and other hybrid operations.
Security warnings
NATO
NATO says it would respond forcefully if attacked.
Russia
Russia warned it could use nuclear weapons if NATO tried to cut off its Kaliningrad exclave.
Grynkewich outlined NATO’s “theory of victory” at the Warsaw Security Forum.
He said NATO would fight if attacked and described measures to stop an assault.
Grynkewich said he does not believe conflict is imminent or inevitable.
- Commander
- US General Alexus Grynkewich
- Role
- NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe
- Forum
- Warsaw Security Forum
- Location
- Warsaw, Poland
- Date
- October 12, 2026
- Alliance population
- One billion citizens
What people are saying
ready to fight tonight
What I want to do is assure the one billion citizens of our alliance that we’ve got this. We know what we need to do. We know how we would do it
We will block the initial attack. If the attack persists, we will blunt it and prevent any enemy advance.
This includes not just the attacking force itself, but anything and everything that supports, sustains and controls that force.
Sources
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