NATO military chief to Putin: If you attack Poland or the Baltics, you will pay a huge price

NATO’s chief military officer, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, has issued a firm warning to Russia, stating that any attack on Poland or the Baltic states would come with “a huge price.” The statement comes amid heightened tensions over Ukraine, where Russian aggression continues despite growing Western support for Kyiv. Cavo Dragone, who took command of NATO’s Military Committee in January 2025, emphasized that Europe can withstand current challenges, though he acknowledged the risks posed by shifting alliances, rapid Russian military advances, and the evolving nature of modern warfare. The situation on the battlefield shows signs of a turning point. According to reports from Kyiv Independent, Cavo Dragone confirmed that Ukrainian forces are gaining momentum in the war, maintaining their position rather than losing ground. He described Russian retaliation as likely stemming from frustration, noting that the conflict has reached a critical juncture. However, he cautioned against premature optimism, stressing that the path to a decisive victory for Ukraine remains uncertain. His focus remains on halting hostilities and initiating long-term peace talks, which he believes should be based on realistic assessments of both sides' capabilities. Cavo Dragone highlighted the importance of learning from the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding the use of drones and electronic warfare. He noted that NATO’s Joint Analysis and Threat Evaluation Centre in Poland is gathering valuable insights from frontline experiences, allowing the alliance to adapt its training programs accordingly. He pointed to the challenge posed by the volume and speed of drone operations, as well as the need for rapid integration of new technologies into combat scenarios. These lessons, he argued, are essential for maintaining NATO’s technological edge in future conflicts. On the issue of defense spending, Cavo Dragone expressed cautious optimism about meeting the goal of allocating 5 percent of GDP to national defense, a target agreed upon during the 2024 Helsinki Summit. While acknowledging that this is only the first year of implementation, he stated that progress is evident. He outlined a phased approach, aiming to reach 3.5 percent for core defense needs and 1.5 percent for broader security measures within a decade. He praised the efforts of member states and the adaptation of defense industries to meet these demands, emphasizing the benefits of joint procurement initiatives that reduce costs and increase production efficiency. He also warned that a potential shortage of military personnel could become a limiting factor. Cavo Dragone suggested that directing part of the 5 percent allocation toward recruitment and retention efforts could help make military service more attractive. He noted that many countries are already working on such strategies, including mandatory conscription and reserve systems, but stressed that more action was needed to ensure sustainable force levels. Regarding Russian threats against the Baltic states and Poland, Cavo Dragone affirmed that such actions remain a real possibility. He reiterated that NATO is prepared to impose significant costs on Russia for any such move, asserting that the consequences would far outweigh any potential gains. He emphasized that NATO is actively deterring Moscow through strategic coordination and readiness, ensuring that any escalation would result in substantial losses for Russia. Finally, Cavo Dragone addressed concerns over the reduction of American military presence in Europe. He argued that a coordinated transition would prevent a security vacuum, provided the process is managed carefully. He acknowledged that the United States must prioritize multiple regions simultaneously, but insisted that NATO’s planning ensures a smooth handover of responsibilities to European allies. This, he said, will allow the alliance to maintain stability while adapting to global security challenges.