US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith has warned the United States and its transatlantic partners are gearing up for potential Russian aggression beyond Ukraine's borders.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, she highlighted Russia as "the pre-eminent threat" facing NATO but clarified that "we do not see an imminent threat to NATO territory."
"NATO is not sitting on its hands," Smith added.
"It's not waiting for any possible contingency. Instead, it's preparing for all contingencies."
Smith's remarks come amidst growing concerns among NATO officials, especially those on the alliance's eastern flank bordering Russia, regarding Moscow's increasing aggression. They fear that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden further aggression from Moscow.
Smith echoed these concerns, stating: "We have seen many times in history where authoritarian leaders continue their aggression if not stopped," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We are not signaling imminent war," Smith said, highlighting the importance of monitoring indicators and warnings, similar to those preceding Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
"We monitor the situation regularly, as you might imagine, to look for other indicators and warnings that Russia is preparing to do something above and beyond what it's doing in Ukraine."
"Right now, we see Russia all in and engaged with this unprovoked war of aggression inside Ukraine.
But we do not have indicators or warnings right now that a Russian war is imminent on NATO territory, and I really want to be clear about that."
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@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Considering the historical context of territorial aggression, do you think the world has learned from its past, or are we doomed to repeat it?
@9L9W5RS2yrs2Y
My opinion on this news topic is we are all going downhill. The way the world is acting now, with each other because of how people view certain things like politics, race, sexuality, and religion is going to end the world faster than most people would think. Everything that is happening now is exactly what happened 50 years ago and 100 years ago. People don´t understand that if we don´t pick up our act on being a better country we´ll never see another year or decade for any matter.
@9L9T98W2yrs2Y
The point is to learn from previous issues to improve the life of the new generation, but to not repeat it.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
If you were in a position of power, how would you balance the act of preparing for threats without provoking further conflict?
@9L9VZDR2yrs2Y
Positions of power must be authoritative and prevent further conflict while making resolutions to fix current conflict.
with knowing what to do with power you will go no where
@9L9V2DM2yrs2Y
I would try to talk it out between me and the leader if thats who the problem is with.
@9L9T8LV2yrs2Y
Communication means everything, if we were to strike back that say or mean nothing and a lot all at the same time.
How about some tools to get that done?
F16s?
F15s?
A10s?
F22s?
With sneeky americanski pilots?
Ukraine version of the flying tigers.
M1 Abrams in quantity 500 of them with all the bells and whistles?
155mm shells by the millions?
HYMARS a few hundred?
Javlins by the shipload?
Patriots by the hundreds?
ATACMS by the hundreds?
Long range 1500km cruise missles ?
“With sneaky Americanski pilots”
Russia set the precedent doing that in North Korea.
It’s how they started the whole Cold War.
It’s what cemented nato and gave it teeth.
They could have won the hearts and minds of millions with soft power and a people centric political system.
F-22's you can forget.A-10's was offered but Ukraine rejected them.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
How important do you think it is for countries to stand together against what they perceive as acts of aggression?
@9L9VLGT2yrs2Y
Yes, it's important. Russia is allied with other countries; it only makes sense we do the same.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Do you believe that NATO's show of preparedness can deter aggression, or does it increase tensions?
@9L9WDG32yrs2Y
I believe it could do either. In this case, it increases tensions because Russia is unreasonable.
@9L9VZJBRepublican2yrs2Y
It may increase tension between the two, and all aggression should be stopped before someone does something stupid.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
How would you feel if your country was part of a military alliance like NATO, potentially having to defend or be defended in a conflict?
@9L9YYGXIndependent2yrs2Y
i would be scared but also glad that we are denfeding the less fortunate nationas.
@9L9T4SB2yrs2Y
i think biden would do a better job with explaining what is going on in the world right now and why it is happening
Ukraine needs to strike legit military targets that help them get their land back and defend their country.. so the US can either support them and give them all the weapons and ammo to do so.. or they can keep their lips shut with statements like this
@9FZBPKH 2yrs2Y
Yes, but some of our politicians* seem to have somehow decided that a bigger, unimpeded Russia makes for a better USA, or that supporting the protection of freedom and democracy in Ukraine is unimportant, which I do not understand. In the coming weeks we will hopefully see a $95b aid bill does in the house.
*Mostly Republicans
@9KY6LGG2yrs2Y
Globalists are trying to create WORLD WAR III – God save us if we don't withdraw from this Alliance instantly to save ourselves from this fate.
Of course Biden will drag it on to keep getting kick backs from Defence Contractors. If the West pulled the Budget, Ukraine would have to do a deal. We need Trump to make a perfect Phone call to both sides!!
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