U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe, said Monday that the alliance would block an attack on a member, blunt any continued advance and, if necessary, break the enemy’s ability to wage war.
Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, Grynkewich said NATO’s response could reach beyond troops directly involved in an assault to include the systems supporting and directing those forces. He said the alliance would deny an attacker its objectives. Grynkewich did not name Russia in his remarks, though the comments were presented in the context of tensions with Moscow.
The commander described NATO as prepared to fight while emphasizing its defensive purpose. He said the alliance was putting its approach into practice through military exercises, readiness measures and investment in new capabilities.
The remarks came as European governments have raised concerns about Russian military activity near NATO territory and alleged sabotage and cyber operations. Russia has denied plans to attack European countries, according to the source material.
The source also describes recent strains related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, including strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Russian warnings concerning NATO and Kaliningrad. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has rejected Moscow’s threats and characterized the alliance as defensive.
Grykewich also sought to reassure NATO members about U.S. commitment, referring to President Donald Trump’s positive comments at the 2025 NATO summit. Trump has pressed European allies to spend more on defense and questioned the level of U.S. protection for countries that do not meet their commitments.
The Warsaw forum brought together European political and defense officials amid concern over the war in Ukraine and security along NATO’s eastern flank.
