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."
