If the necessity arises to protect a NATO ally, the United States is ready to use military force against Russia.

Axar.az reports that this statement was made by Leon Panetta, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense (2011-2013).

He stated that the only language Vladimir Putin understands is power. Therefore, it is necessary to use force to engage in negotiations with Moscow:

"We must make it clear that we will not allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine under any circumstances. This means providing advanced weapons to Kyiv and having the capability to strike targets in Russia—destroying drones and missiles before they attack Ukrainian territory. They should provide Ukraine with an equivalent of Israel's Iron Dome."