General Dragone, the head of NATO’s Military Committee, affirmed the Alliance’s readiness during a meeting of 32 top generals in Copenhagen, stating, “The Alliance is ready, the structure is ready, the soldiers… the weapons are ready.” This declaration comes amid rising concerns over potential provocations by Russia.
Dragone highlighted that NATO continues to bolster its forces both in numbers and equipment. This statement follows warnings from European leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, about the possibility of Russia launching drone or missile attacks on NATO countries in the coming months to test the Alliance’s response. Similar concerns have been echoed by France and the Netherlands.
Although Dragone noted that NATO generals did not discuss the latest warnings, he emphasized that the Alliance possesses “4,000 pages” of military plans to defend its eastern flank, covering scenarios from minimal crises to military interventions on NATO territory.
He assured that allies are prepared for escalation, adding, “In the event of an attack, we know what to do.” Furthermore, Dragone remarked on Russia’s recent actions, which have been testing the allies’ resolve and aimed at undermining the unity and trust within NATO. He stated that such attempts “do not divide us,” but rather compel the Alliance to enhance its tools and become “much more united and resolute.”
