Commander of NATO in Europe, impressed with the progress of the Russian army – RBC

Multi-purpose all-weather helicopters Russian Air Force Ka-52″ Alligator “during bilateral battalion tactical exercises (BTU) on amphibious training ground. 2016

Photo: Yuri Smityuk / TASS

Chief of the Allied Forces (SMF) of NATO in Europe, General Curtis Skaparotti said he was impressed by the progress of the Russian army and its ability to adapt to the changing environment

Speaking at the security forum in Aspen, Skaparotti said that he was impressed, as the Russian army has increased in just a few years. “They are studying. Their military doctrine is largely based on the old Soviet, but they look at the world around and adapt its doctrine to changing conditions “, – he said

The commander of NATO also said Russian arms.. “In Syria, they have launched missiles from submarines, ships, medium bombers. There was no special need, but they are trained and have demonstrated their weapons. And that I also was very impressed, “- he said Skaparotti

When asked by the Forum, what to do with the modern Russia, the general said that it is necessary to treat it very seriously, especially by intensifying.. “We also need to look at the world around us and be ready for new investments,” – he added

Also Skaparotti said that during his studies at West Point when he was a young officer, the cook. fight with the Russian. “There I learned Russian because I was curious to know our enemy’s culture,” – he said

According to him, was in his career and the moments of cooperation with the Russian military.. This happened in the Bosnian town of Tuzla in the mid-1990s, when American soldiers were near the position taken by the Russian peacekeepers.

Skaparotti was replaced as commander of NATO in Europe Philip Bridlava. Almost immediately after his appointment, he urged NATO countries to be ready to fight against “resurgent Russia”. He said that Moscow is seeking “to project itself as a world power.” At the same time, NATO, in his view, must remain flexible in this situation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry statement Skaparotti then called nothing more than big words. Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, in turn, stressed that a resurgent Russia for anybody is not a threat, speaking for the joint settlement of conflict situations.