Speaking to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) land warfare conference in London, Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders said the conflict in Ukraine was heralding a “paradigm shift” regarding how NATO responds to a crisis. Yesterday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced the expansion of the alliance’s troops from 40,000-strong to 300,000, a direct response to the threat from Russia to European security. Sir Patrick said Russia knows now, more than ever, that they “cannot gain a quick, localised victory”.
Sir Patrick said: “So, how are we going to mobilise? Well, Article 5 remains the cornerstone of our national security. It makes it a critical national interest.
“The conflict in Ukraine will herald, I think, a paradigm shift in how NATO delivers collective deterrents from a doctrine of reacting to crises to one of deterring them.
“And this principle is at the heart of mobilisation: Russia knowing that they cannot gain a quick, localised victory.
“That in any circumstances, in any timeframe, they will lose if they pick a fight with NATO.”
NATO leaders convened today in Madrid, Spain to discuss the crisis in Ukraine as well as the accession of Sweden and Finland to the alliance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to make a direct call to NATO leaders for more weapons to repel Russian forces.
He said today he had told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg by telephone that his country needs missile defence systems to prevent Russian attacks.
In comments on Twitter before a NATO summit, Mr Zelensky said: “Had a phone conversation with NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg. Coordinated positions on the eve of the NATOSummit in Madrid. Stressed the importance of a powerful missile defense system for Ukraine to prevent Russian terrorist attacks.”
READ MORE: Zelensky expected to make weapons call amid NATO turmoil [REVEAL]
