NATO is actively developing medical evacuation plans in the event of a possible military conflict with Russia, taking into account the likely mass casualties among the military. Lt. Gen. Oleksandr Zolfrank, head of the alliance's logistics command, said the planning includes a large-scale evacuation of the wounded from the front line. Zolfrank stressed that the war could be large-scale, and threats from the Russian Aerospace Forces make air evacuation dangerous. In such conditions, it is more expedient to use "sanitary trains" to transport the wounded.
One of the key aspects of NATO's preparations for a possible war with Russia is the unification of medical standards among allied countries. Zollfrank proposed creating a "military-medical Schengen" that would simplify the movement of powerful drugs, including painkillers, to help the wounded.
NATO training as part of training
Medical evacuation planning is only one element of NATO's preparations for a possible conflict with Russia. A significant event was the largest NATO exercise since 1988 called Steadfast Defender 2024 , which lasted from January to May. More than 90,000 military personnel and a large amount of equipment took part in them, covering most of the countries of Europe, including Great Britain, Germany, Poland, Greece and others.
Experts' views on the threats of conflict with Russia
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in January 2024 that the next 3-5 years will be critical for preparing for a possible military conflict with Russia. According to experts, Russia needs time to prepare for major military operations, so the West should use this period to strengthen its defense capabilities.