The latest US intelligence assessment states that Russian President Vladimir Putin could potentially carry out an attack on NATO within coming years. The intelligence assessment outlines several scenarios Russia might pursue, ranging from cyber attacks to small-scale operations designed to undermine alliance unity.
The intelligence report does not detail the timing and manner of carrying out such an attack, but projects the possibility of occurrence within the current year and several years ahead. An intelligence source said Putin would most likely escalate by targeting Baltic nations or Poland. US and NATO officials have believed that Putin will escalate if he does not find a way out of the war with Ukraine, according to a report citing unnamed sources.
NATO Military Spokesman Martin O'Donnel declined to comment on the intelligence assessment. He stressed that NATO is always preparing itself for various scenarios and is ready to prevent and defend itself if necessary.
Over the past several years, Russia has repeatedly violated NATO territory. In May, a drone carrying explosive material struck an apartment building in Romania. In September, NATO fighter jets shot down several Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during operations against Ukraine. Recently, the US assessed that a drone carrying explosive material was found at a German airport on 5 August, which is said to be owned by Russian intelligence services.
