Former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Richard Shirreff, made a statement that the West needs to be ready for war with Russia. This is necessary to demonstrate "all seriousness" to the Russian president.
The former leader said this in an interview with the BBC.
Escalating military objectives, according to Shirreff, is "absolutely the right approach."
"There should be significant resources dedicated to it, and it should be done across the Alliance," Shirreff said.
The former military leader also issued his warning about Putin's likely aggressive response to this. However, Shirreff said, escalation is unnecessary to demonstrate "the seriousness of the West."
"The worst-case scenario is war with Russia. Preparing for the worst-case scenario is likely to deter Putin because, after all, Putin respects force," Shirreff concluded.
