Nato commander warns of strengthened Russian military post Russo-Ukraine war

NATO’s top commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, believes that regardless of the war’s outcome in Ukraine, the Russian army will emerge stronger than it is today, Der Spiegel reported on 20 October.

“At the end of the war in Ukraine, the Russian army will be stronger than it is today,” Cavoli said in the interview for Der Spiegel, warning that Russian forces will become a dangerous adversary for the Alliance despite significant losses in Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 7 October that Russian forces suffered substantial equipment losses in the Pokrovsk area, a focal point of intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces since October 2023. In particular, Russian forces lost some 1,830 pieces of heavy equipment.

Cavoli urged NATO to swiftly prepare for this threat, arguing that Russia will be an opponent with serious military potential and “clear intentions.” He emphasized that the Alliance should not harbor illusions about Russia’s military strength.

“The Russian armed forces are learning, they are improving, they are applying the experience of war,” Cavoli said.

The general called for rapid implementation of NATO’s new defense plans and additional requirements for individual NATO partners.

“When I say quickly, I mean we have to be faster than the Russians,” he said.

Cavoli’s assessment aligns with the concerns of other high-ranking officials. Bruno Kahl, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), believes Russia will be capable of attacking NATO territory within the next six years.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said Russia could have the military potential to attack NATO as early as 2026-27.

These warnings underscore the urgency with which NATO views the evolving threat landscape in Europe as the war in Ukraine shapes regional security dynamics.

In early October, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said Poland would start building the first elements of enhanced defense lines along its borders with Russia and Belarus by the end of 2024.

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