Most military leaders of the North Atlantic Alliance do not deny that the Russian authorities may dare to attack the territory of the bloc's countries by 2029.
This was stated by the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, General Karel Rzegka, in an interview with Ukrinform.
Thus, in response to a question about whether he shared the view that the Russian Federation could attack NATO member countries by 2029, he said: “Most of us defense chiefs share a similar view.”
At the same time, the Chief of the Czech General Staff emphasized that he is not saying that there will be a war, but he warns: to avoid it, we need to be strong and have reliable deterrence – within NATO or, perhaps, outside the Alliance, together with partners.
“For reliable deterrence, you must have real defensive capabilities and capabilities, as well as the will to use them. And your adversary must understand that you have both,” the general is certain.
Rzhegka drew attention to the awareness of the Russian Federation that NATO has a wide range of possible responses to various provocations – both informational, diplomatic and military. Therefore, he is convinced that if Moscow approved a decision to attack any of the NATO countries with military means, the Alliance would respond decisively.
“Let me state clearly: if this happened tomorrow, we would fight with what we have. Without hesitation… As for NATO's political cohesion, yes, I absolutely believe that we will activate collective defense if necessary. Because there is no alternative: if this did not happen, it would be the end of NATO. I think everyone understands that such a situation would be a tragedy for all of us. And this is exactly what Russia wants,” said the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic.
Separately, the general noted that the Russians made a serious miscalculation in Ukraine, because, they say, they did not expect to get bogged down in a multi-year war and lose thousands of people every month.
“I don't think that was their (meaning the Russians – ed.) intention. The duty of the allies is to do everything possible to ensure that the Russians do not do such things to anyone else again,” Rzhegka added.
In December 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO member states were in danger and were Russia's next target, after Ukraine. He also said that Russia could potentially attack the bloc in the next three to seven years if NATO did not increase its defense investments.