Putin is preparing for a major war with NATO, but first wants to test the Alliance - German intelligence
Kyiv • UNN
According to German intelligence, Russia is preparing for a major war with NATO. Moscow may try to test the Alliance with a limited military operation against the bloc's countries.
The Russian authorities are apparently preparing for a large-scale war against NATO. At the same time, Moscow is most likely not yet able to attack the entire alliance, but can "test its strength" with a limited military operation against one or more countries of the bloc. This is reported by BILD, writes UNN.
Details
A new report by the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Bundeswehr states that the Russian authorities are apparently preparing for a large-scale war against the bloc. The report also indicates that the Kremlin perceives relations with the West as a systemic conflict and is ready to use force to achieve its goals.
According to the assessment of the Lithuanian special service VSD, Moscow is not yet able to attack the entire alliance, but can "test NATO" with a limited military operation against one or more countries of the bloc to find out how seriously the alliance will take its obligations. However, according to German intelligence, by the end of the decade, Russia could be fully ready for a "large-scale conventional war."
Despite the concentration of Russian troops in Ukraine, the Russian Air Force and Navy remain combat-ready. If the war in Ukraine ends, Russian units can be quickly redeployed to the borders with the Baltic countries. The document also notes that "Russian losses are being replenished," and the country's defense industry is producing more than is needed for the current conflict.
Russia's military spending is growing at a record pace. According to estimates, in 2025 it will reach about 120 billion euros, which is more than 6% of the aggressor country's GDP. Russia's military budget has actually quadrupled compared to 2021.
According to the Kremlin's plans, the size of the army should also increase - to 1.5 million people, and the volume of weapons and equipment on the border with NATO should increase by 30-50%.