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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
NATO Warns Russia About Seizing Territory in Europe
A NATO commander warned that its forces could capture Russia's heavily fortified Kaliningrad region "in a timeframe that is unheard of" if necessary. General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, made the remark as the alliance unveiled a new Eastern Flank defense plan at the Association of the U.S. Army's inaugural LandEuro conference on Wednesday. It comes amid fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin could seize NATO territory if not stopped in Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have warned about before. The warnings by Donahue and NATO leaders reflected growing concern about Russia's intent and military buildup, especially following the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and a series of hostile actions, including cyberattacks and territorial advances. NATO's new posture, built on the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line strategy, reported on by Defense News, seeks to shift the alliance from a peacetime to a war-ready footing to deter or repel any Russian attempt to seize territory in Europe. NATO members face repeated warnings from intelligence and defense officials that Russia could directly threaten alliance territory within the next five years, signaling an urgent need for coordinated defense investments and operational reforms. France's National Strategic Review named Russia the "most direct threat" to European interests and stability, while Western leaders cautioned that unchecked Russian aggression could escalate into a broader European conflict. Donahue outlined the new Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, a NATO plan to increase ground-based capabilities, promote allied interoperability and enable rapid mobilization against Russian threats. The approach prioritizes standardized systems, digital coordination and common weapon launchers, with an emphasis on interoperability and cost-effectiveness. Speaking specifically about Kaliningrad, Donahue said modern allied capabilities could "take that down from the ground" faster than ever before. "We've already planned that and we've already developed it," he said. "The mass and momentum problem that Russia poses to developed the capability to make sure that we can stop that mass and momentum problem." The small oblast, spanning just 47 miles across, is surrounded by NATO members Poland and Lithuania, and has been heavily militarized by Russia since the end of the Soviet era. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that any NATO attack on Kaliningrad would be viewed as a direct assault on Russia, with lawmaker Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, threatening "corresponding retaliatory measures, including the use of nuclear weapons," according to the Russian state-owned TASS news agency. Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, separated from mainland Russia and bordered by Poland to the south and Lithuania to the north and east. Formerly known as Königsberg, it became part of the Soviet Union after World War II under the terms of the Potsdam Agreement. Today, it is an outpost of Russian power in the heart of NATO territory and is among the most heavily fortified regions in Europe. Kaliningrad hosts significant Russian ground forces, air defense systems and naval assets, including reported deployment of nuclear-capable missiles, giving Moscow a forward operating base in the region and raising the stakes of any military confrontation. General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa: "We know what we have to develop and the use case that we're using is you have to [deter] from the ground. The land domain is not becoming less important, it's becoming more important. You can now take down [anti-access, aerial-denial] A2AD bubbles from the ground. You can now take over sea from the ground. All of those things we are watching happen in Ukraine." Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee: "An attack on the Kaliningrad region is tantamount to an attack on Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, earlier this year: "If we do not stand firm, [Putin] will advance further. Considering all of this, I believe it could escalate into a world war." NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Line is set to boost allied land power and digital integration, including new AI-driven data systems and standardized launchers. The initiative aims to enable rapid response, high interoperability and lower operating costs. Member states have been urged to accelerate defense investments to match Russia's surging military spending and evolving threat landscape. Western governments continue to monitor Russia's actions in Ukraine and along NATO borders. Related Articles Why France and Italy Are Snubbing Trump's NATO Weapon PlanHow Will Putin React to Trump's Ukraine Pivot? Newsweek Contributors DebateNATO Spy Planes Make Pincer Move Over Russia'Very Serious': Russia Says Trump Sent Signal to Ukraine 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
NATO Warns Russia About Seizing Territory in Europe
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A NATO commander warned that its forces could capture Russia's heavily fortified Kaliningrad region "in a timeframe that is unheard of" if necessary. General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, made the remark as the alliance unveiled a new Eastern Flank defense plan at the Association of the U.S. Army's inaugural LandEuro conference on Wednesday. It comes amid fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin could seize NATO territory if not stopped in Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have warned about before. Why It Matters The warnings by Donahue and NATO leaders reflected growing concern about Russia's intent and military buildup, especially following the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and a series of hostile actions, including cyberattacks and territorial advances. NATO's new posture, built on the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line strategy, reported on by Defense News, seeks to shift the alliance from a peacetime to a war-ready footing to deter or repel any Russian attempt to seize territory in Europe. NATO members face repeated warnings from intelligence and defense officials that Russia could directly threaten alliance territory within the next five years, signaling an urgent need for coordinated defense investments and operational reforms. France's National Strategic Review named Russia the "most direct threat" to European interests and stability, while Western leaders cautioned that unchecked Russian aggression could escalate into a broader European conflict. General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, at the Royal United Services Institute conference, at Church House, Westminster, London, on June 18, 2025. General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, at the Royal United Services Institute conference, at Church House, Westminster, London, on June 18, 2025. AP What To Know Donahue outlined the new Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, a NATO plan to increase ground-based capabilities, promote allied interoperability and enable rapid mobilization against Russian threats. The approach prioritizes standardized systems, digital coordination and common weapon launchers, with an emphasis on interoperability and cost-effectiveness. Speaking specifically about Kaliningrad, Donahue said modern allied capabilities could "take that down from the ground" faster than ever before. "We've already planned that and we've already developed it," he said. "The mass and momentum problem that Russia poses to developed the capability to make sure that we can stop that mass and momentum problem." The small oblast, spanning just 47 miles across, is surrounded by NATO members Poland and Lithuania, and has been heavily militarized by Russia since the end of the Soviet era. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that any NATO attack on Kaliningrad would be viewed as a direct assault on Russia, with lawmaker Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, threatening "corresponding retaliatory measures, including the use of nuclear weapons," according to the Russian state-owned TASS news agency. What To Know About Kaliningrad Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, separated from mainland Russia and bordered by Poland to the south and Lithuania to the north and east. Formerly known as Königsberg, it became part of the Soviet Union after World War II under the terms of the Potsdam Agreement. Today, it is an outpost of Russian power in the heart of NATO territory and is among the most heavily fortified regions in Europe. Kaliningrad hosts significant Russian ground forces, air defense systems and naval assets, including reported deployment of nuclear-capable missiles, giving Moscow a forward operating base in the region and raising the stakes of any military confrontation. Who People Are Saying General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa: "We know what we have to develop and the use case that we're using is you have to [deter] from the ground. The land domain is not becoming less important, it's becoming more important. You can now take down [anti-access, aerial-denial] A2AD bubbles from the ground. You can now take over sea from the ground. All of those things we are watching happen in Ukraine." Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee: "An attack on the Kaliningrad region is tantamount to an attack on Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, earlier this year: "If we do not stand firm, [Putin] will advance further. Considering all of this, I believe it could escalate into a world war." What Happens Next NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Line is set to boost allied land power and digital integration, including new AI-driven data systems and standardized launchers. The initiative aims to enable rapid response, high interoperability and lower operating costs. Member states have been urged to accelerate defense investments to match Russia's surging military spending and evolving threat landscape. Western governments continue to monitor Russia's actions in Ukraine and along NATO borders.
Russia Today
04-07-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
NATO member rules out sending troops to Ukraine
Bucharest will not deploy troops to Ukraine under any circumstances, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has said, although he indicated that the 'eastern flank' country will continue to gradually boost its military budget to meet NATO demands and align with the broader EU militarization agenda. A group of European NATO member states has for months been exploring the formation of a potential force for deployment to Ukraine, as part of a so-called 'coalition of the willing,' ostensibly in a post-conflict peacekeeping capacity. Russia has repeatedly warned it would treat any foreign forces fighting alongside Ukrainian troops as legitimate targets, saying such actions could escalate the conflict. Speaking during a live interview with broadcaster Antena 3 CNN on Thursday, Bolojan addressed a wave of disinformation suggesting that Romania might become militarily involved. 'We are not sending our young people or children to war,' he said, dismissing such claims as unfounded and emphasizing that the country's position remains unchanged. 'Romania, under no circumstances, is considering participating in the war – not before, not now.' However, Bolojan argued that as an 'eastern flank' country, Romania should 'gradually increase defense spending' instead of prioritizing investments in 'roads, hospitals, schools, and more,' in order to strengthen its military capabilities and fulfill NATO obligations. 'We can't afford to rely on the idea that others – including the US – will ensure our protection without us contributing,' he said. At a recent summit in The Hague, NATO member states committed to raising military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, in response to what they described as the 'long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security' – a claim Moscow has repeatedly rejected. Last month, the European Commission approved the potential use of approximately €335 billion in pandemic recovery funds for military-related projects. In May, it introduced a €150 billion debt facility to support so-called defense efforts. Moscow has criticized these steps as further evidence of the bloc's continued hostility. The Kremlin has condemned the EU's militarization drive and arms transfers to Kiev, describing the conflict as a NATO-led proxy war. President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Western concerns about Russian aggression as 'nonsense,' accusing NATO of using fear to justify ballooning military budgets and blaming the bloc's expansion and 'aggressive behavior' for fueling the crisis.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
The endgame in the Russia-Ukraine war
On June 1, Ukraine executed 'Operation Spiderweb' drone strikes on Russian bases. They sent shock waves just ahead of the second round of peace talks in Istanbul and NATO's Eastern Flank summit in Vilnius. As the Russia-Ukraine war is in its fourth year, with mounting human and economic costs and rising global pressure for a diplomatic resolution, an endgame is in place. The revival of the Istanbul peace process and renewed engagement by key international players have reoriented attention towards diplomacy. Yet major questions persist: Will Ukraine's audacious strikes shift the war's trajectory? Can Ukraine endure the prolonged conflict? And can the main actors — Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., NATO, and the European Union — overcome entrenched divisions to forge a durable peace? The return of diplomacy As peace talks stalled under U.S. President Donald Trump, the Istanbul peace process was cautiously revived by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two rounds of talks on May 16 and June 1 saw prisoner swaps and draft ceasefire terms exchanged. However, deep divisions remain, with both sides presenting largely irreconcilable conditions that hinder meaningful progress. Russia's 'Special Military Operation' could have ended in Istanbul negotiations in 2022, but a possible peace deal failed as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy walked away from it. Ukraine chose to continue fighting as it hoped for NATO membership and Western leaders pledged funding, weapons, and training. U.S. President Donald Trump, prioritising his 'America First' and 'Make America Great Again' agenda, views the Ukraine war as a complex foreign policy challenge and seeks a swift end to it. His envoy, Keith Kellogg, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged it as a dangerous 'proxy war between nuclear powers — the United States, helping Ukraine, and Russia', and began Russia-Ukraine talks in February 2025. Mr. Trump sees no common ground or trust between Russia, Europe, and Ukraine, making an end to the Russia-NATO proxy war difficult. Acting as both participant and mediator, he believes a breakthrough is urgently needed. Mr. Trump's three months of shuttle diplomacy have sparked hope for peace. The peace framework addresses both sides' concerns. Ukraine won't join NATO, will gain security guarantees, accept a ceasefire, and territorial concessions. Sanctions on Russia will be lifted, and the present frontline will be frozen. Ukraine-Europe peace terms include a permanent ceasefire, no limits on Ukraine's military, and a U.S.-backed security guarantee akin to NATO's Article 5. Sanctions would ease gradually after achieving lasting peace, while occupied territories remain unrecognised. European leaders' 'Coalition of the Willing' meetings, led by the U.K. and France, seek a 'reassurance force' to monitor the peace accord's implementation. Russia demands addressing the war's root causes, Ukrainian neutrality, NATO-membership ban, demilitarisation, denazification, and troop withdrawals. It also seeks ceasefire guarantees that Ukraine won't regroup and receive Western munitions. If the West does not accept these terms, Mr. Putin warns of imposing terms militarily. In February, Mr. Trump proposed to initiate denuclearisation talks with Russia and China, considering the Ukraine war's potential for nuclear escalation and the expiry of the NEW START Treaty with Russia in 2026. Russian experts see this as a honey trap, reminiscent of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's trick with the Soviet Union's President Mikhail Gorbachev. Kremlin remains sceptical of Western intentions and views Russia's nuclear power as a necessary deterrent. The broader Western posture is to continue supporting Ukraine until Russia is strategically defeated. In 2022, the European Parliament and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly designated Russia a 'state sponsor of terrorism,' complicating direct diplomatic engagement, while former U.S. President Joe Biden said 'no' to such a toxic 'terrorist' label for Russia. Mr. Trump's interest in ending the war is due to avoiding damage to America's reputation. He wants to deal with China and engage in the West Asian and Indo-Pacific region. The Ukraine war tests Europe's global autonomy, but its Russophobic stance hampers dialogue by framing Russia as an existential threat and exposing racism and militarisation. The West is waging a proxy war in Ukraine and, as is the case with any proxy in history, Ukraine's agency to decide the course of war is limited. Escalation risks are rising as Ukrainian drones allegedly targeted Mr. Putin's convoy in Kursk on May 20, 2025. Earlier incidents included bridge bombings in Kursk, drone attacks near Moscow, and a threat to the Victory Day parade. In response, Russia has escalated its military campaign, aiming to create a 'security buffer zone' along the Ukraine border. Mr. Putin warned that rejecting current peace terms would make any future peace 'more painful.' A fragile endgame Ukraine's deep strikes into Russia, likely aided by Western intelligence, risk escalation. Under its nuclear doctrine, Russia may retaliate if sovereignty is threatened. Operation Spiderweb escalates Russia's 'Special Military Operation' into a full-scale war. Though humiliated, Russia's engagement in peace talks signals a real interest in ending the conflict. In such a scenario, K.B. Usha, Associate Professor at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
The Guardian
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Russian threat will not disappear when the war in Ukraine ends, Rutte says
Russia will remain an imminent threat to Nato even if there is eventual peace in Ukraine, and the western alliance has to increase its air and missiles defences, its secretary general, Mark Rutte, warned in a speech at the Chatham House thinktank in London. 'Let's not kid ourselves, we are all on the eastern flank. There is no east or west, there is just Nato,' he said, adding that for Russian missiles 'the distance between European capitals is only a few minutes'.
