As tensions rise between Russia and NATO, Vladimir Putin is reportedly preparing for the possibility of a large-scale conventional war with the alliance, according to a major think tank.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted Russia’s military restructuring and expansion in the northwest, where it shares borders with NATO members Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, as indicative of potential preparations for a significant conflict.
Russia Strengthens Military Presence
Russia recently confirmed the strengthening of its military units in the northwest and established a new military zone – the Leningrad Military District (LMD).
The move comes in response to Finland’s decision to join NATO in April, prompting concerns of increased hostilities in the region.
In a recent interview with Russian state television channel Rossiya 1, Putin expressed concerns about Finland’s decision to join NATO, accusing other alliance members of “dragging” Helsinki into the organization.
Finland, responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, justified its NATO membership as a necessary step to ensure its security.
The ISW’s analysis suggests that Putin’s comments and the military developments in the northwest indicate Russia’s “hostile intent” towards NATO, posing a “credible and costly threat to Western security.”
The think tank warns of the potential for a “large-scale conventional war against NATO” based on Russia’s military restructuring.
This comes amid heightened warnings from US President Joe Biden, who recently urged Congress to approve more emergency funding for Ukraine.
Biden stated that if Putin were to take Ukraine, he wouldn’t stop there and would potentially attack NATO countries, leading to a scenario where American troops could be fighting Russian troops.
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Putin Denies Interest in NATO Confrontation
In response to Biden’s warnings, Putin denied any interest in fighting NATO and dismissed the idea as complete nonsense. He emphasized that Russia has no intention to engage in a conflict with the alliance.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now entering its 23rd month, has strained relations between Moscow and the West significantly.
While the battlefield situation has seen limited progress in recent months, concerns persist about the potential escalation of the conflict and its implications for global security.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the situation in Eastern Europe remains a focal point of international attention.
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