NATO: Russia wants to regain the territories of the USSR, but it loses 35,000. soldiers per month

The key way to defeat an aggressor is to exhaust him economically and militarily; Russia is already losing about 35,000 people in Ukraine. soldiers per month – this is more than the total losses of the USSR during the 10 years of the war in Afghanistan – noted the head of the NATO Military Committee, Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone in an interview with the RBK-Ukraina agency.

“The Russian side suffers huge human losses. It loses about 35,000 people (killed and wounded – PAP) a month. For comparison: during all 10 years of the war in Afghanistan (in 1979-89 – PAP), the USSR lost 20,000. people. This is very impressive. Despite the impasse, they suffer colossal losses every day. It's unbelievable,” Dragone told the RBK-Ukraine agency during the Kyiv Security Forum organized last week.

Expansion of the Russian military machine and “360-degree” defense

According to the admiral, the threats to NATO are Russia and terrorist groups, which is why the Alliance is working in these two areas “to act in advance.”

We must be fully aware of what awaits us in the future. We anticipate further expansion of the Russian military machine. We will counteract this by developing our capabilities – i.e. everything that we plan to purchase and obtain in the near future and in the long term. This is directly related to the nature of the threats,” he explained.

According to the head of the NATO Military Committee, Russia will strive to regain control over the territories it had before the collapse of the USSR, which poses a threat not only to the Baltic countries, but also to other neighboring regions. Dragone emphasized that the Alliance is focusing on a “360-degree” defense strategy, closely monitoring the situation in the Arctic, as well as in the east and south.

Admiral Dragone on the Russian threat and Alliance preparations

Despite the statements of officials of the Baltic countries about the lack of an immediate threat “here and now”, the admiral noted that they are the ones who read the situation best. He expressed full confidence in their opinion, emphasizing that no one can provide more accurate information about the development of the situation than those who directly monitor the actions of the aggressor at the borders.

According to Dragone, Ukraine makes a huge contribution to NATO security. “Even while fully engaged on the front lines, she imparts a wealth of experience to us through JATEC (Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center). We accept and assimilate (Ukrainian) experiences. Look at their actions in the Persian Gulf, where they helped countries (that region) repel Iran's air attacks. Now they really are a security country,” he said.

Dragone noted that NATO countries support Ukraine in the war with Russia. “NATO, the entire Alliance – all 32 member countries – support Ukraine, ensure its stability and help as before. Moreover, whenever it is in our power, everyone gets involved. No one remains passive,” assured the RBK-Ukraine interlocutor. (PAP)

ira/ rtt/