NATO Admiral: Cost of Attack on Eastern Flank Would Outweigh Benefits for Russia

NATO's top military official has warned that Russia poses a real threat to the Baltic states and Poland, but the alliance is committed to making any attack prohibitively expensive. In an interview with the Kyiv Independent, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone emphasized that Russia would lose far more than it could gain by attacking only Poland or the Baltic countries.

Regarding the reduction of US military presence in Europe, the admiral described a planned transition where European allies will fill the void. He does not see this as a window of opportunity for Russia to test the alliance's readiness. However, he acknowledged that the most critical gaps to be filled are precision strike capabilities, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), which the US currently provides.

Another challenge is personnel shortages. Dragone stressed that military careers must become more attractive to Europeans. He also echoed Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten's warning about dwindling European military stocks, highlighting the need to boost defense industrial production.

The admiral specifically emphasized investing in Ukraine's defense industry, which he said is less constrained than Europe's. He called for joint ventures with Ukrainians, who have become security guarantors. Support for Ukraine will continue as long as needed.