Czech armed forces suggest Russia may launch "partial" attack to test NATO cohesion

Miroslav Hlaváč, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, believes that Russia could test the cohesion of a NATO member state by launching a partial attack on its territory.

Source: European Pravda, citing Hlaváč in an interview with ČTK

Details: The top Czech military official did not specify what he meant by a partial attack.

Hlaváč believes that Russia is waging a conflict with Europe that is on the verge of open war, pointing primarily to hybrid actions and cyberattacks.

He stressed that Czechia is ready and will defend itself with the means it has, stating this with full determination and responsibility for the Czech Armed Forces.

He believes that fulfilling obligations to NATO and strengthening air and anti-drone defences are extremely important for Czechia's defence potential. He is also convinced that the state's ability to counter Russian hybrid influence is crucial.

Hlaváč also noted that the perception of security in Czech society has improved significantly over the past five years. He considers it important that society, as well as current and previous governments, perceive security as a necessary prerequisite for the functioning and prosperity of a democratic country.

He added that a state's readiness is a continuous process and that no one is ever 100% ready. He stressed that it is important for the state – and any state, not just Czechia – to have a security system capable of responding to a threat, withstanding its initial onslaught, and subsequently mitigating and eliminating the consequences of the crisis.

In recent months, European leaders have repeatedly warned of growing security threats from Russia. Reasons for concern include violations of NATO airspace by Russian aircraft or drones, cyberattacks and other hostile acts. In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Alliance is stepping up the defence of its eastern flank.

Background:

• Estonian Defence Minister Martin Herem believes that Russia will definitely "test" another country regardless of how the Russian-Ukrainian war ends.
• Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the security situation in Eastern Europe and battlefield developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.
• On 28 August, Tusk said there are signs that Russia is seriously preparing for an escalation and suggested the next seven to eight months could be critical for the security of Ukraine, Poland and the region as a whole.
• Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed doubt about the possibility of Russia attacking "the most powerful military alliance in the world – NATO".

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