NATO intends to agree on a new plan to protect against a potential Russian attack
NATO defense ministers intend to agree on a new master plan to protect against any potential Russian attack in several areas.
Reuters reported this, citing diplomats and officials.
The NATO Ministerial Meeting will take place on 21-22 October in Brussels.
This confidential strategy goes beyond existing regional defense plans and aims to prepare for any simultaneous attack in the Baltic and Black Seas, possibly including nuclear weapons, hacking, or networking.
Officials and diplomats say such an attack is not inevitable. Russia denies any military intent and says it is NATO that risks destabilizing Europe with such preparations.
But US officials, NATO diplomats, and former officials say the Concept of Constraint and Defense in the Euro-Atlantic Area, and its strategic implementation plan are needed as Russia develops modern weapons systems and deploys troops and equipment closer to Allied borders.
"If you have such a serious conflict, it will require activity throughout the operation. Different things can happen at the same time, and it requires holistic planning," said a senior US government official.
Retired General Ben Hodges, who commanded US troops in Europe from 2014 to 2017, said he hoped the strategic plan would lead to greater coherence in NATO's collective defense, which would mean more resources for the Black Sea region.
"For me, it's more likely to become a flashpoint than the Baltics," Hodges said, noting fewer major allies, such as Britain and France, with a strong presence in the Black Sea, and Turkey more focused on the conflict in Syria.
