Top NATO generals have issued a stark warning, suggesting that Europe may have only three years to prepare for a potential all-out war with Russia led by Vladimir Putin.
The leaders emphasized the need for urgent preparations to counter a possible Russian offensive, which could involve strikes on both civilian and military infrastructure deep within European territories.
In this hypothetical scenario, Germany is identified as a significant target, serving as the central ‘turntable’ for NATO’s continental supply lines.
Targeting Strategies and Russian Tactics
According to these warnings, potential targets in the event of conflict could range from munitions factories and command centers to power plants, railways, and bridges.
The generals noted that Russia has previously employed similar tactics during its invasion of Ukraine, launching missiles deep into Ukrainian territory.
In response, Ukraine engaged in retaliatory actions, targeting ammunition depots, fuel storage sites, and command centers.
Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, the commander of NATO’s military logistics center in southwest Germany, emphasized the evolving nature of warfare, stating, ‘We have to assume that an aggressor will use the whole spectrum of kinetic and non-kinetic force.’
This includes acts of sabotage, electronic warfare, cyber attacks, as well as kinetic possibilities involving missiles and drones.
Call to Cut Red Tape for Swift Response
General Sollfrank urged world leaders to address bureaucratic obstacles hindering the swift response of NATO forces.
He specifically highlighted the concept of ‘interchangeability,’ where rules restrict the use of equipment from another nation, causing delays in response times.
Using the example of paratroopers, he emphasized that legal restrictions on using parachutes made for another nation’s army, even when functionally identical, hinder operational efficiency.
The general called for a reduction in the bureaucratic challenges within multi-national organizations like NATO to ensure agility in responding to potential threats.
He advocated for a proactive approach, stating, ‘Just do it. And don’t wait. Because in the end, we have no time to waste.’
Preparation Challenges and Military Deterrent
Lieutenant General Jan-Willem Maas, chief of the Dutch armed forces’ Defence Support Command, acknowledged the existing challenges in preparing for a bloc-wide conflict.
He emphasized the need to enhance military deterrent capabilities, recognizing the importance of unity in response to potential threats.
While acknowledging Europe’s improved position after Putin’s actions in Ukraine, he stressed the urgency of continuous efforts to strengthen the military deterrent for the future.