NATO’s top commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, has warned that Russia’s military will be stronger at the end of the war in Ukraine, regardless of the outcome.
Gaining Combat Experience
In an interview with Der Spiegel, Cavoli stated that the Russian armed forces are learning from their battlefield experiences and adapting, making them a more formidable adversary for the Alliance, according to Ziare.
"At the end of the war in Ukraine, the Russian army will be more powerful than it is today," Cavoli said.
He emphasized that NATO must not underestimate Russia's ability to rebuild and strengthen its military, even as it suffers significant losses in Ukraine.
According to Cavoli, the Russian forces are gaining valuable combat experience, which they will use to improve their military capabilities.
Prepare for Emerging Threat
Cavoli urged NATO to prepare swiftly for this emerging threat. He highlighted the need for NATO's new defense strategies, which demand rapid action and stronger commitments from each member nation, to be implemented quickly.
"When I say quickly, I mean faster than the Russians," Cavoli added, stressing the importance of staying ahead of Russian military development.
European intelligence agencies share Cavoli’s concerns. Bruno Kahl, the head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), warned that Russia could have the capacity to threaten NATO territory within the next six years.
Similarly, Polish President Andrzej Duda suggested that Russia could be ready to strike NATO as early as 2026-2027.
