Russia is capable of attacking NATO sooner than intelligence suggests - ISW

According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia could become an active military threat to NATO before 2036: its sabotage, spying operations and development of drones indicate preparations for a possible war with the Alliance. This is reported by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

What the experts say:

• Ongoing acts of sabotage and espionage using drones near military bases and critical infrastructure in Europe may be a sign of Russia's systemic preparation for conflict with NATO.

• Russia's long-range weaponry and efficient drone production pose a direct threat to local security.

• Russia is building a strategic reserve of troops that can be used in Ukraine and then against NATO, demonstrating its ability to recover even after significant losses.

• After the end of active hostilities in Ukraine, Russia could quickly deploy significant forces to NATO's eastern flank.

• ISW stresses that the Kremlin is not waiting for the army to fully recover before launching aggressive actions - according to analysts, Russia is already practicing new methods of warfare, without the massive use of tanks and armoured vehicles, and is ready for a large-scale conflict.

Drones over Europe: alarming signals

Over the past month, unusual drone flights over military and infrastructure facilities have been recorded in the skies over European countries, from Sweden and Norway to Germany and France. In some cases, airports were suspended because of this.

We would like to point out that President Zelensky believes that such incidents are provocations by the Kremlin - an attempt to test the reaction of European states and prepare the ground for the expansion of the war even before the conflict in Ukraine ends.