NATO's top military commander in Europe said planning for a new Arctic mission was in its final stages, as the alliance responded to increased Russian and Chinese activity in the region.
US General Alexus Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO in Europe, made the statement during a working visit to Luxembourg, where he met with Luxembourg Minister of Defense Yuriko Backes and Chief of Defense Steve Thull, according to Luxembourg-based media, RTL Today.
Grynkewich said NATO was nearing completion of preparations for the mission known as "Arctic Sentry," which aims to strengthen the North Atlantic defense pact's presence in the Arctic. He stressed that the mission had not yet begun.
He expects to receive more details about the mission from the NATO Combined Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia, on Tuesday, and noted that an official announcement could follow in the coming days if all requirements are met.
Grynkewich also reiterated the US commitment to NATO's collective defense clause, Article 5.
He said there was no indication Washington would reduce its role in the alliance and stressed the US was working to ensure NATO remained a strong military alliance.
Regarding Ukraine, Grynkewich said demilitarization was not an option as long as the war was ongoing, while describing the difficult situation amid winter conditions and Russia's continued attacks on infrastructure.
He explained that although the US had re-established direct communication with Russia, further political measures would be decided at the political level.
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