Russia does not pose a threat in the near-term because it is running out of combat power, the retired air vice-marshal believes.
“But demonstrating its determination to expand has had profound implications for Europe and there’s no doubt in my mind that Nato, by patrolling the Eastern flanks, is understanding that threat,” he said.
The former jet pilot continued: “There’s also a question of how do you stop Russian tanks from advancing. You need soldiers and capability on the ground to provide layered defence.
“With the Polish simply being on their own, I think the Americans quite understandably have gone ‘right how can we help, you’re going to increase your defence spending, but how can we help bolster that’ so that if Russia does roll in Poland, actually it’s rolling into America as well.”
