NATO Discussing Preventive Strikes Against Russia
2- 26.11.2024, 8:03
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The Alliance no longer adheres to the ‘wait for an attack’ approach.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia's army has significantly increased numerically, while its quality has decreased, said Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.
This is reported by Reuters.
He noted that at the moment Russia does not pose as much of a threat as it did in February 2022, which gives time for preparation, including increased investment in the defence industry. He stressed the need for businesses to adapt to a ‘wartime scenario’ to minimise vulnerability to blackmail from countries such as Russia and China.
The Admiral reminded how Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe at the start of the Russian invasion, which revealed a dependence on such suppliers. He emphasised that the West's dependence on China, for example in rare earth materials (60% mining and 90% refining) and chemical ingredients for medicines, is a strategic vulnerability.
According to Bauer, business leaders in Europe and the US must realise that their commercial decisions have serious national security implications.
In addition, he noted that NATO is discussing the possibility of preventive precision strikes against Russian territory in the event of a threat of attack.
Bauer said the Alliance is no longer adopting a ‘wait for an attack and only then react’ approach. Instead, it is discussing scenarios of striking launchers and other military facilities in Russia to prevent aggression.
He described as positive the changed attitude of NATO, which now places more emphasis on active defence than on purely defensive measures.