NATO ready to respond to possible Russian escalation, admiral says
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone told reporters the Alliance's forces and structures are prepared and are being strengthened during the 32nd meeting of senior generals.
NATO is prepared to respond to a possible Russian escalation on the alliance's eastern flank, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the alliance's highest-ranking military officer, said on Saturday.
Addressing reporters, Admiral Dragone said: "The Alliance is ready, the structure is ready, the troops, the weapons are ready. Allies are prepared in case of escalation. In case of attack, we know how to act."
Alliance building capacity and capability
Dragone spoke during the regular meeting of the alliance's 32 most senior generals. He added that NATO continues to work on increasing those forces both in numbers and in sophistication.
The comments follow repeated warnings from European leaders about a possible Russian escalation in Europe. Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, warned on Thursday that Moscow could send drones or missiles toward a NATO member state in the coming months as part of a staged provocation to test the alliance — a risk subsequently flagged by France and the Netherlands.
Dragone's remarks underline NATO's message that it is strengthening deterrence and readiness on the eastern flank to reassure allies and to be able to respond if necessary.
Photo: press material from the event
