NATO ‘ready’ for potential Russian false flag attack, alliance’s top general says

NATO’s top general, Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, stated on Saturday that the alliance is prepared to react to a potential Russian escalation on Europe’s eastern border, following reports of increasing warnings of a possible staged attack by Moscow. Speaking during a regular meeting of the alliance’s 32 highest ranking generals in Copenhagen, Dragone emphasized that the structure, soldiers, and weapons are all prepared.

He added that NATO is continuing to bolster these forces in both numbers and sophistication. This comes after European leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French and Dutch officials, voiced concerns about a possible Russian provocation in the coming months to test NATO's capabilities, which they fear could happen soon.

Europe has been experiencing a rise in airspace violations and sabotage attempts amid ongoing tensions with Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. In August, U.S. intelligence warned of a potential limited attack on a NATO country in the years ahead. Dragone, who is also the chair of NATO’s military committee, did not delve into the latest warnings but affirmed that NATO has "4,000 pages" of military plans in place to defend its eastern flank, from scenarios of a "minimal crisis or interference on our soil."

Allies signed three regional defense plans in 2023 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, signaling their readiness to act in case of an escalation. Dragone reiterated that Russia's recent actions "continue to test allied resolve" and "aim to undermine trust and weaken our unity," but stressed that these attempts do not divide them; instead, they "are sharpening our tools, making us much more united and determined."