NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, said in an interview published Friday that the alliance’s military capabilities “far exceed those of Moscow,” dismissing the prospect of a large-scale Russian conventional attack on Europe. Grynkewich told *Der Spiegel* that Russia lacks modern assets like F-35 fighter jets, destroyers, or submarines that NATO possesses, and that Moscow is instead turning to sabotage and other covert methods due to its limited options .
The general downplayed recent Russian threats to use nuclear weapons if NATO isolated or attacked the Kaliningrad exclave, stating that the alliance has no such plans and remains a defensive organization. He added that NATO’s deterrence posture, including frequent exercises on its eastern flank, is designed to avoid any action that could be interpreted as aggression .
Grynkewich also addressed Russia’s broader strategy, describing it as an attempt to convince Western publics that supporting Ukraine risks war with Russia. He called this a “dangerous game” but noted that, so far, the approach has not succeeded .
Meanwhile, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto criticized restrictions on U.S. satellite and intelligence support for Ukraine, calling them a “complete mistake” that undermines Kyiv’s position. Crosetto argued that peace will only come when Russian President Vladimir Putin concludes he cannot advance further, and that reducing support for Ukraine risks emboldening Moscow .
