NATO admits it was not prepared for Crimea's annexation by Russia
During a speech in the European Parliament, NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Everard stated that NATO was not ready for the annexation of the Crimea by Russia, Polish Radio reports.
“In 2014, we were shocked when Russia annexed the Crimea. It completely changed the Euro-Atlantic security environment. We were not ready for this,” Everard stated. The General noted that Russia is the North Atlantic Alliance’s only opponent.
“Today, we have to fight against a more dangerous Russia that wants to rebuild its position, destroying the international order,” Everard said.
He claimed that instead of pursuing a protracted war, Moscow plans to win by implementing short campaigns for specific purposes with the help of hybrid warfare that includes strategic bullying, misinformation and destabilization.