NATO commander vows to break Russian war system if attacked

NATO’s top military commander warned Monday that what he called the “deadly alliance” would destroy “anything and everything” supporting an attack on allied territory and “shatter” enemy combat systems to thwart any possible future Russian attacks.

“If the adversary chooses to continue the attack or commit its reserves, we will break the system of warfare engaged against us,” US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich said at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, in an apparent warning to Moscow.

“This includes not only the attacking force itself, but everything that supports, sustains and controls that force,” he said during a panel titled “Victory Theory: How to Achieve Military Success Against Russia in Deterrence and Defense?” the first day of the forum.

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NATO’s top military commander warned Monday that the alliance would destroy “anything and everything” supporting an attack on allied territory and “break” enemy combat systems to thwart any possible future Russian attacks. (Photo by Artur Widak/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Grynkewich, supreme allied commander in Europe, also laid out a three-pronged strategy of “blocking, blunting and breaking” enemy forces, making clear that while NATO is a defensive alliance, it is prepared to respond decisively to an attack on any of its 32 members.

“If someone is crazy enough to attack us, we will fight,” he said. “We will stop the attack and deny them the opportunity to achieve their objectives, whatever they may be. In short, we will ensure that any attack, against any ally, proves completely futile.”

The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries following a series of drone incursions and suspected sabotage operations that European countries have linked to Moscow.

“We are gathered today in Poland, stronger than ever, united in our shared vision of a more balanced, more ready and more lethal alliance,” Grynkewich also said.

European officials have accused Russia of waging a hybrid warfare campaign involving sabotage, arson and cyberattacks, alongside increasingly provocative military activity near NATO territory.

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Grynkewich’s warning comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries following a series of drone incursions and suspected sabotage operations that European countries have linked to Moscow. (Photo by Artur Widak/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In 2025, several Russian drones entered Polish airspace during a large-scale attack on Ukraine, provoking a response from Polish and allied aircraft.

NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen defenses along its eastern flank.

Romania has also reported Russian drone incursions, while Estonia has accused Russian military aircraft of violating its airspace.

Grynkewich’s remarks followed a tense weekend between Russia and Ukraine, during which Moscow launched new strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure despite diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities.

President Donald Trump announced he had reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase deliveries of Russian diesel to the United States and global markets.

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On September 30, Russia warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance tried to isolate Kaliningrad, its heavily militarized Baltic Sea enclave between Poland and Lithuania. (Contributor photo/Getty Images)

The announced agreement provided for a lifting of certain American sanctions on Russian energy exports.

Zelensky then accused Russia of continuing its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, casting doubt on the prospects for a broader ceasefire.

Tensions have also been accompanied by recent nuclear alerts from Moscow.

On September 30, Russia warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance tried to isolate Kaliningrad, its heavily militarized Baltic Sea enclave between Poland and Lithuania.

In a diplomatic note obtained by Reuters, Moscow accuses NATO of following a “dangerous and reckless path” that carries “high risks of triggering a direct armed conflict.”

According to the memo, Russia warned that it could use its entire military arsenal, including its nuclear weapons, to defend Kaliningrad and raised the possibility of strikes against the decision-making centers of NATO countries at the start of a conflict.

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The Hague, Netherlands – In photos, NATO leaders participate in the summit in The Hague, Netherlands, June 25, 2025. NATO countries have pledged to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, as demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump. The summit’s final declaration says countries will invest “at least 3.5%” of their GDP each year in military capabilities and an additional 1.5% in protecting critical infrastructure. (Document / Latin American News Agency via Reuters Connect)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte rejected the threats, emphasizing the alliance’s defensive mission and calling on Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.

“Putin knows he can never defeat NATO,” Rutte said during a Sept. 30 appearance at the Euronews Defense and Space Summit.

Putin also asserted that Russia did not intend to attack European countries and wanted peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.

Grynkewich did not mention Russia by name during his speech in Warsaw, but his warning appeared directed at Moscow and NATO’s Strategic Concept 2022 also identifying Russia as the largest and most direct threat to the allies’ security.

“My theory of victory is simple: We will block the initial attack. If the attack persists, we will blunt it and prevent the enemy’s advance,” Grynkewich said Monday.

“And if necessary, we will break the enemy forces and operational combat system deployed against us.”

Grynkewich said NATO was already putting this strategy into practice through military exercises, enhanced military preparedness and investment in new capabilities.

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At a news conference Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte tried to assure President Donald Trump that allies are increasing their financial commitments so that Europe’s defense does not rely solely on U.S. taxpayers. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“If we are attacked, we are ready to fight tonight, but we are not complacent,” he said.

The general made clear that NATO’s response would not necessarily be limited to enemy troops directly involved in an attack, but could extend to the broader military infrastructure enabling the attack.

Meanwhile, Trump has pressed his European allies to increase defense spending and questioned whether countries that fail to meet their obligations should expect American protection.

Grynkewich sought to downplay concerns about Washington’s engagement, recalling Trump’s positive remarks about the alliance at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands.

“I was in the room and I felt the love,” Grynkewich said of the 2025 event.

“What I want to do is assure the billion citizens of our alliance that we have this. We know what we have to do. We know how we will do it,” he added.

He also indicated he was willing to discuss alleged hybrid attacks more openly if NATO governments wanted him to address their concerns.

“If a nation wants it, I’m happy to talk about it,” he said.

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The Warsaw Security Forum brought together European political and defense leaders as the continent grappled with Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine and the growing threat of confrontation along NATO’s eastern flank.