Senior NATO Commander Discusses Russian Risk-Taking Amid Ukraine War

Why it matters locally: Given Alaska's geographic proximity to Russia and its strategic military importance, an increase in Russian risk-taking in the Arctic region could directly impact state security and federal military installations within Alaska.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, a senior NATO commander, told The Associated Press on Thursday that he observes Russia increasing its willingness to take risks as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Stringer made his remarks from a security conference in Estonia. His comments follow warnings from some European leaders. These leaders have suggested that Moscow intends to test NATO's collective defense agreement. They cite incidents of sabotage and espionage as examples of bolder attacks they believe Russia has already initiated.