NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe: Russia Not Seeking Conflict
U.S. General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stated that Russia is not currently seeking conflict with NATO and acknowledged that reducing U.S. air and naval forces in Europe is to prepare for potential contingencies in the Pacific.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 15:00
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(Central News Agency, Brussels, 11th Combined Foreign Report) U.S. General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stated that Russia is not currently seeking conflict with NATO and acknowledged that reducing U.S. air and naval forces in Europe is to prepare for potential contingencies in the Pacific.
The Financial Times reported that General Grynkewich, speaking at a panel discussion at the ILA Berlin Air Show today, was asked about the possibility of a Russian attack on the Baltic states. He emphasized that his duty is to ensure adversaries believe in NATO's deterrent capability and to make Moscow clearly understand that it is militarily impossible to defeat NATO.
Grynkewich said, "I have been closely watching the relevant intelligence. Russia is not seeking conflict... They understand the term 'defensive alliance' (referring to NATO) very well, and they know we have many asymmetric advantages."
European leaders have repeatedly warned in recent years that Russia could potentially clash with NATO within a few years. The U.S. is currently planning to reduce the forces allocated to NATO. According to reports from Germany's Die Welt and other media, the planned U.S. withdrawal is substantial, including one aircraft carrier strike group, all submarines capable of launching cruise missiles, and a significant number of anti-submarine aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, and fighter jets such as F-16s and F-15Es.
Today, Grynkewich confirmed the plan to reduce U.S. forces in Europe for the first time, stating, "This is a set of naval and air assets that the U.S. military would urgently need if a situation arises in the Pacific."
Russian President Vladimir Putin last week dismissed the repeated warnings from European leaders about a Russian invasion, calling the concerns baseless.
Putin said at the time, "This is a deliberate provocation, fabricating non-existent threats to force populations to pay for more defense spending. It is completely absurd, if not tragic, then laughable." (Translation: Chen Yiwei) 1150612
The Financial Times reported that General Grynkewich, speaking at a panel discussion at the ILA Berlin Air Show today, was asked about the possibility of a Russian attack on the Baltic states. He emphasized that his duty is to ensure adversaries believe in NATO's deterrent capability and to make Moscow clearly understand that it is militarily impossible to defeat NATO.
Grynkewich said, "I have been closely watching the relevant intelligence. Russia is not seeking conflict... They understand the term 'defensive alliance' (referring to NATO) very well, and they know we have many asymmetric advantages."
European leaders have repeatedly warned in recent years that Russia could potentially clash with NATO within a few years. The U.S. is currently planning to reduce the forces allocated to NATO. According to reports from Germany's Die Welt and other media, the planned U.S. withdrawal is substantial, including one aircraft carrier strike group, all submarines capable of launching cruise missiles, and a significant number of anti-submarine aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, and fighter jets such as F-16s and F-15Es.
Today, Grynkewich confirmed the plan to reduce U.S. forces in Europe for the first time, stating, "This is a set of naval and air assets that the U.S. military would urgently need if a situation arises in the Pacific."
Russian President Vladimir Putin last week dismissed the repeated warnings from European leaders about a Russian invasion, calling the concerns baseless.
Putin said at the time, "This is a deliberate provocation, fabricating non-existent threats to force populations to pay for more defense spending. It is completely absurd, if not tragic, then laughable." (Translation: Chen Yiwei) 1150612
FAQ
Who is General Grynkewich?
Commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Why is the U.S. reducing forces in Europe?
To prepare for potential contingencies in the Pacific region.
What does President Putin think about the possibility of a Russian invasion?
He denies it, calling it a fabricated non-existent threat.