No doubt: The British general said that NATO and Russia is already at war

Former deputy commander of NATO forces in Europe, retired British General Richard Shirreff, said that NATO is already at war with Russia. This is reported by the Rulehti publication with reference to Helsingin Sanomat.

So he answered the relevant question.

" There's no doubt about that," Shirreff said.

The general spoke at the annual security conference in Kouvol on Friday. Speaking about the confrontation between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance, he mentioned alleged sabotage and hybrid operations in European countries, as well as the "poisoning" of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia by "Novichok" in Salisbury in 2018. From the fresh Shirreff added an investigation, again, into the alleged preparation of sabotage at the UAV plant in Swindon, which the British authorities consider to be ordered by the SVR.

NATO should respond more harshly to violations of its airspace, the general also noted.

" We have to be strong. We must shoot down Russian drones and planes flying into NATO territory", he believes.

As an example, he cited the incident of 2015, when Turkey shot down a fighter jet of the Russian Air Force. Shirreff stressed that this did not lead to a war between Russia and NATO, but forced Moscow to retreat.

At the same time, Shirreff expressed doubts about the UK's ability to quickly provide Finland with sufficient assistance in the event of a crisis. Although London remains committed to NATO's collective defense, he noted, it would be difficult for the British army to quickly send a full-fledged brigade to Finland.

The general also criticized the lack of a clear strategy for European countries to support Ukraine.

" There is no strategic thinking in NATO. Until it appears, this war will continue", he said.

Shirreff believes that in order to end the Ukrainian conflict, European countries need to increase investments, formulate a common strategy and provide Kiev with the necessary military means.

The publication recalls that Shirreff served as deputy commander of NATO forces in Europe from 2011 to 2014, and previously served in the British army, including in Iraq, Kosovo and other regions. In addition, he was a foreign military adviser to the Ukrainian command.