NATO's top US commander warns Russia that any 'foolish' attack on allies would be 'futile'

Russian sabotage operations against Europe should be met with an increase in weapons for Ukraine, according to NATO's top commander in Europe. General Alexus Grynkewich stated this at the Warsaw Security Forum, according to Ukrinform. He suggested that NATO respond to the attacks by contributing more to the alliance's PURL weapons program or by supplying Ukraine with additional air-defense interceptor missiles.

This stance goes against recent news of the US threatening to halt weapons for Ukraine through PURL unless Kyiv ceases attacking Russian refineries.

Grynkewich explained that one of Russia's primary objectives in its hybrid operations, including airspace violations, sabotage, and cyberattacks, is to weaken the West's resolve to continue supporting Ukraine. He argued that the best way to counter this is by proving them wrong, by using each attack as a reason to send more weapons. The PURL program, which allows allies to fund US-made weapons for Ukraine, received nearly $5.5 billion in pledges before May.

When responsibility for a specific attack is determined, it should be publicly named, Grynkewich emphasized, so that Russia realizes it has been exposed and that its network was not as untraceable as it believed. He urged the response to show that the West can do so. Grynkewich stressed that a single, coordinated response from allies is what Russia fears most, and coordination is an essential part of the strategy.

He also highlighted the need for allies to clearly define their red lines, as unity in response serves as a deterrent. By demonstrating a united front, the alliance makes it harder for Russia to divide them, and attacks aimed at splitting the West only make it stronger, he concluded.