NATO's Top Military Officer: Russia's Military Threat Is Growing On All Fronts

General Petr Pavel

Politico: NATO’s senior military officer: Russia threat growing on all fronts

General Petr Pavel said Russia’s increasing military presence was clear, even if its intentions were not.

NATO’s senior military officer said the alliance was confronting efforts by Russia to increase its military capabilities on virtually every level and allies were on guard to prevent any repeat of the Kremlin’s military intervention in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Speaking at a POLITICO Brussels Playbook breakfast Monday, General Petr Pavel, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said that while Russia’s intentions were not necessarily clear, its growing military prowess was undeniable.

“We in uniform, we define the threat based on two major elements. One is the capability, the other is the intent,” Pavel told POLITICO’s Ryan Heath. “When it comes to capability there is no doubt that Russia is developing their capabilities both in conventional and nuclear components. When it comes to exercises, their ability to deploy troops for long distance and to use them effectively quite far away from their own territory, there are no doubts.”

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Update: 'Growing Russian Threat' Used as a Way to Keep NATO in Shape (Sputnik).

WNU Editor: His (General Pavel)focus is on what is happening in the Baltic region .... NATO says more Russian buzzing of Baltic airspace a risk for deadly mistakes (DW).