Putin ‘could strike targets across Europe’ in all-out war against the West, generals say

Top NATO generals have warned that Vladimir Putin could attack targets across Europe in an all-out war against the West.

Leaders told the Times that the bloc may have only three years to prepare for a possible Russian offensive on European soil, which would involve attacks on civilian and military infrastructure deep behind the front lines to hamper the war effort.

They said Germany would likely be chosen as the central “hub” for NATO’s continental supply lines, and that targets could range from munitions factories and command centers to power plants, railways and bridges.

Russia has already used similar tactics during its invasion of Ukraine, launching missiles deep into Ukrainian territory, while Ukraine itself has retaliated by taking out ammunition depots, fuel depots and command centers.

Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, commander of NATO’s military logistics center in south-west Germany, said: “If we compare wars and operations from ten years ago or five years ago, we realize that we have to accept that the rear areas are also heavily will be disputed.

Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of a building destroyed by a Russian missile attack as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues in Donetsk Oblast

A Ukrainian tank man is seen next to his tank on the road in the Donetsk region on January 27, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin grimaces during a communications session with the Vostok Station, a Russian research station in Antarctica

‘We must assume that an aggressor will use the full spectrum of kinetic and non-kinetic force to destroy lines of communication, including in the rear area.

‘This ranges from acts of sabotage via electronic warfare and cyber to kinetic capabilities via missiles, drones and so on.’

The NATO general urged world leaders to cut “red tape” that hinders countries’ ability to use another country’s weapons and technology.

Sollfrank said rules on who can use what equipment, known as “interchangeability,” have greatly slowed response times.

He gave an example where paratroopers are legally prohibited from using parachutes made for another country’s military, even if they are functionally identical.

‘Although it may not be allowed now, technically there is no problem in many cases. For example, what is the problem if a parachutist from a European country A uses a parachute from a neighboring country B after being trained in this system, or if he connects equipment from one country to the helicopter of another country? If there is no technical or safety issue, why not,” he asked.

He said reducing the bureaucracy seemingly inherent in multinational organizations would be crucial to ensuring NATO is agile enough to counter Russia.

“I think we can start this and reduce or adapt the red tape, or wherever possible and necessary,” Sollfrank said, adding: “Anyone can start.” Just do it. And don’t wait. Because in the end we have no time to lose.’

Lieutenant General Jan-Willem Maas, head of the Defense Support Command of the Dutch armed forces, agreed that preparations for a bloc-wide conflict should continue.

‘We’re not where we need to be. That’s clear,” he said. ‘But the question is: what are we going to do about it?

“If you look at what Putin has done so far, I think we are in a much better position for the next operations. If you look at how Europe became united after he invaded Ukraine, I’m not that pessimistic.

“But at the same time, if you look at the military deterrent, we have to do our utmost to make it work tomorrow. And the day after.’