Ex-Nato chief: 'We’re at war with Russia today'

Retired four-star general Curtis Scaparrotti has declared that NATO is already at war with Russia, warning that Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics are part of a long-term strategy to break the alliance ^[1]. Speaking at an Atlantic Council event in Washington, DC, Scaparrotti, who held the role of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2016 to 2019, said the Kremlin sees no distinction between peace and war. "When they look at warfare, they don't have a line between peace and war," he stated, adding that cyber attacks, drone strikes, and infrastructure sabotage are all part of Russia’s war spectrum ^[2].

His remarks come amid heightened transatlantic tensions following US President Donald Trump’s diesel supply deal with Russia, aimed at lowering fuel prices ahead of upcoming domestic elections ^[1]. Critics argue the move undermines sanctions and could fund Russia’s war in Ukraine ^[2]. Trump has suggested Ukraine needs new leadership and claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more eager for peace than Kyiv’s government—though this claim has not been confirmed.

The dispute has raised concerns over US intelligence sharing and the continued use of Elon Musk’s Starlink network, which Ukraine relies on for military communications ^[1]. In a show of solidarity, UK Mayor Andy Burnham welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street, with both leaders affirming that "Russia had no interest in peace".

Britain’s critical undersea cables remain a vulnerability, long considered susceptible to sabotage by Russian spy vessels ^[1]. Scaparrotti stressed that Russia’s actions are not random but part of a strategic, long-term plan to erode trust in governments and NATO itself ^[2]. Despite this, Trump has maintained that Putin is "not looking to attack Nato territory," even after a drone attack on a German airport blamed on Moscow by European nations.

The growing rift underscores deepening doubts about Washington’s commitment to NATO’s collective defence principle under Trump’s second term ^[2].