The military openly admitted that this was a provocation against Russia, in order to demonstrate the capabilities of the Allies and “restrain Russian aggression”. Melnikov also stressed that special operations forces are not trying to escalate tensions.
“This puts this thing within Russia’s reach. We are deliberately trying to be provocative without escalating the situation. We are trying to contain Russian aggression, broad behavior by demonstrating the expanded capabilities of the Allies,” said Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Melnikov of Stars and Stripes, European Special Operations Command. He is quoting from his statement.
Source: Ferra
