---
title: "NATO to Strike St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad if Russia Attacks, WSJ Reports"
description: "NATO has introduced a \"Theory of Victory\" for a Russian attack, involving attack blocking, drone deployment, and strikes on command posts."
date: 2026-10-12T19:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/nato-to-strike-st-petersburg-and-kaliningrad-if-russia-attacks-wsj
tags: [nato, russia, military-strategy, wsj, war-in-europe]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# NATO to Strike St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad if Russia Attacks, WSJ Reports

![NATO military equipment on the eastern flank](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/12/nato-udarit-po-peterburgu-i-kaliningradu-esli-rossiya-napadet-wsj/nato-udarit-po-peterburgu-i-kaliningradu-esli-rossiya-napadet-wsj-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- NATO has developed a three-stage "Theory of Victory" in the event of a potential Russian attack.
- The plan includes mass deployment of cheap drones and the creation of autonomous containment zones.
- The strategy envisions missile strikes on Russian command posts and air defense facilities.
- The development builds on the work of retired General Chris Donahue, who left his post in July.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has presented a new strategic concept called the "Theory of Victory" in the event of a potential armed conflict with Russia. The development of this detailed three-stage plan at the Warsaw Security Forum was announced by General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, whose remarks were detailed by the Wall Street Journal. According to published data, a secret version of the document was finalized three months ago and aims to fundamentally alter the alliance's approach to the collective defense of its eastern flank.

### The Essence of the "Theory of Victory" and Three-Stage Approach

NATO's new strategy is based on three consecutive stages: blocking the initial attack, halting the enemy's further advance, and subsequently breaking their military potential. Unlike past concepts, the document takes into account Russia's colossal geographical advantages and robust defense industry, which could theoretically enable a rapid breakthrough in the Baltic states or Poland before main reinforcements arrive. To mitigate this threat, the plan involves massive investment in so-called "affordable mass"—relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles designed to complement the alliance's expensive and sophisticated modern weapons arsenal.

### Technological Support and Deep Territorial Strikes

A crucial component of the strategy is the creation of a vast "autonomous zone" where ground robotic systems and drones can effectively contain the Russian offensive while minimizing casualties among allied service members. At the same time, long-range missile systems will be deployed to deliver precision strikes against command posts, communication hubs, and air defense assets in strategically vital locations, including St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. This will deprive the Russian command of airspace control and ensure a successful counterattack by the US Army V Corps and other NATO ground units, supported by a unified "data highway" for real-time classified intelligence sharing.

### Personnel Reshuffle and Controversial Aspects

The concept's development relies heavily on the efforts of retired General Chris Donahue, former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe and head of Allied Land Command. However, serious personnel controversies arose around his figure: in July, Donahue was forced to step down after Defense Minister Pete Hegseth lowered his official status. Furthermore, experts and military analysts point out the absence of a clear timeline for implementing defense measures, exacerbated by the current global ammunition shortage caused by protracted conflicts in the Middle East.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [НАТО ударит по Петербургу и Калининграду, если Россия нападет, - WSJ](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/nato-udarit-peterburgu-i-kaliningradu-kshcho-1791833126.html) - Основной источник информации о выступлении генерала Алексуса Гринкевича на Варшавском форуме безопасности.
- [Блокировать, ослабить, разгромить: НАТО презентовало трехэтапный план победы над Россией на ...](https://from-ua.org/news/705899-blokirovat-oslabit-razgromit-nato-prezentovalo-trexetapnyi-plan-pobedy-nad-rossiei-na-slucai-napadeniia.html) - Детализация трехэтапного плана победы НАТО.
- [В НАТО рассказали о сценарии, который учитывает новый план альянса «Теория победы»](https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/news/2026/10/12/29508871.shtml) - Дополнительный контекст сценария действий альянса.
- [Гринкевич: НАТО учитывает сценарий боевых действий на два фронта](https://www.kp.ru/online/news/7219092/) - Сведения о возможных вызовах и угрозах.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What is NATO's "Theory of Victory"?
**A:** It is a three-stage alliance plan involving blocking the initial attack, halting the advance, and breaking enemy forces using new technologies and drones.

### Q: What targets could be hit during a NATO counterattack?
**A:** The plan involves long-range missile strikes on Russian command posts and air defense systems, including in the St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad areas.

### Q: Who developed this strategy?
**A:** The strategy relies on the efforts of retired General Chris Donahue, with its details presented at the Warsaw Security Forum by General Alexus Grynkewich.