Former NATO Commander: Only Russia’s Defeat Can End the War

A former high-ranking NATO official, who warned about Russia’s aggressive intentions a decade ago, is now inside Ukraine’s military command. He is pushing for a strategy the alliance will not officially endorse: total victory over Russia. The official, who served as NATO’s second-in-command, argues that the war will only end when Russia is defeated on the battlefield. He believes that any negotiated settlement would allow Moscow to regroup and attack again. His position contrasts sharply with NATO’s public stance. The alliance has avoided calling for Russia’s outright defeat, instead focusing on helping Ukraine defend itself. The former commander’s direct involvement in Ukraine’s war planning signals a growing gap between NATO’s official policy and the views of some of its most experienced military leaders.