NATO refutes Giuseppe Conte’s claim that Russia is not a European security threat

NATO’s senior spokesperson, Colonel Martin L. O’Donnell, stated that “Russia clearly represents a threat to Euro‑Atlantic security,” directly contradicting statements made by former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte that the country’s threat had been exaggerated to justify a massive arms build‑up. The comments refer to remarks by U.S. General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who said Russia is not seeking a direct clash with the alliance but must be deterred. Conte later clarified on Italian television that his earlier words were misunderstood and that he was referring to the NATO commander, not denying the overall Russian threat. The clarification and NATO’s rebuttal were reported across numerous Italian outlets, underscoring a domestic debate over defence spending and the perception of Russia’s danger to Europe.