Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, US Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich outlined a three-pronged strategy of “blocking, blunting and breaking” enemy forces, emphasizing that while NATO remains a defensive alliance, it is prepared to respond decisively to an assault on any of its 32 member states, as reported by the New York Post.
Strategic Posture and Operational Doctrine
During a panel titled “Theory of Victory: How Do We Achieve Military Success Against Russia in Deterrence and Defence,” Grynkewich detailed the military mechanics of the alliance’s deterrence policy. “Should the adversary choose to press the attack or commit his reserves, we will break the warfighting system engaged against us,” Grynkewich stated. He added that the response would not be limited to frontline combat units, extending instead to “not just the attacking force itself, but anything and everything that supports, sustains, and controls that force.”
The general’s framework relies on sequential operational phases: blocking an initial assault, blunting sustained advances to prevent territorial gain, and ultimately breaking the operational warfighting system arrayed against the alliance. Grynkewich noted that NATO is actively operationalizing this doctrine through expanded military exercises, heightened readiness levels, and capability investments, declaring that the alliance is “ready to fight tonight.”
Regional Security Context and Hybrid Tensions
The stark warnings arrive amid escalating friction between Western capitals and Moscow over a series of border incursions and suspected hybrid warfare operations. European intelligence and defense officials have repeatedly accused Russia of coordinating sabotage, arson, and cyberattacks across the continent. Previous airspace violations—including incidents involving Russian drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace during large-scale strikes on Ukraine—led NATO to establish Operation Eastern Sentry to reinforce eastern flank defenses.
Tensions have also been inflamed by nuclear warnings from Moscow. In late September, Russian diplomatic notes warned NATO against attempting to isolate the heavily militarized Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad, threatening potential strikes against decision-making centers in Western countries. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte rejected those threats during a late September summit, reiterating the alliance’s defensive mandate while urging Moscow to cease hostilities in Ukraine.
Alliance Unity and Defense Commitments
Addressing political concerns regarding Washington’s long-term commitment to European security, Grynkewich sought to reassure allies. He recalled U.S. President Donald Trump’s supportive remarks during the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, emphasizing that alliance leadership remains unified in its strategic deterrence mission against threats identified in NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept.