US Army Chief: Russia, Not Daesh, 'Remains Number One Threat'

According to a US Army Chief, Russia is "the only entity on earth" that can destroy the United States, which makes it the main threat for Washington.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Russia and the Islamic State, also known as Daesh, are at the top of the list of threats to the United States, US Army Chief Gen. Mark Milley stated in a national defense conference in Washington, DC on Monday.

"I still think Russia remains the number one threat to the United States because <…> they are the only entity on earth that has the capability to destroy the United States," Milley said.

Milley characterized the Islamic State as "equally dangerous, but in a different way" as they have demonstrated "an intent, aspiration and they have demonstrated a reach into Europe and the United States."

"Those two [Russia and the Islamic State] I put right at the top," Milley said of threats to the United States.

In his US Senate confirmation hearing in July, Milley characterized Russia as the leading existential threat to the United States. In November, Milley recommended the United States deploy additional rotational forces to eastern Europe, to bolster NATO’s borders with Russia.

Russia has repeatedly warned against the deployment of additional NATO troops along its borders, stating such action is provocative and could threaten regional stability.

The Islamic States is outlawed in Russia and numerous other countries.