Russia is preparing for a large-scale war against NATO and an attack can be launched “earlier than some analyzes have shown”, writes the American think tank ISW in a new assessment.
The report comes after statements from, among others, Poland and Denmark that an attack on a NATO country could take place within three to five years.
– The alarm bells are ringing, says Polish President Andzrej Duda to CNBC.
It was in an interview with the American television channel on Monday that Andzrej Duda warned about Russia’s military rearmament. The Polish president cited unspecified German research, which he said shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to accelerate the country’s transition to a war economy, with the goal of attacking a NATO country in 2026 or 2027.
– The warning bells are ringing. We have two to three years to increase our efforts, stockpile ammunition and produce weapons to maximize European security, Andrzej Duda says, among other things, in the interview.
ISW: Multiple indicators
The statements come just weeks after a Danish intelligence report was released, which claims Russia could launch an attack on NATO within three to five years, Reuters reports.
Now the American ISW, Institute for the Study of War, broadly confirms the picture given. The research group writes in a new report that several indications point to Russia preparing for a large-scale conflict with NATO.
“Putin’s attempts to stabilize Russia’s economy and finances are most likely part of preparations for a potential future large-scale conflict with NATO and not just for a protracted war in Ukraine,” writes ISW in the report.
“Earlier than some thought”
After Vladimir Putin’s “victory” in the rigged presidential election last Friday, the president is said to have gathered high-ranking politicians, and among other things emphasized that Russian oligarchs must contribute more to the war fund. According to ISW, Putin’s willingness to risk his relations with the oligarchs shows that he is preparing for something more than just a protracted war of aggression against Ukraine.
ISW emphasizes that there is no immediate threat, but also does not specify when an attack could occur. The authors write that a war against NATO can be launched “earlier than some Western analyzes have shown”.
In December, Vladimir Putin denied claims that he plans to attack NATO. At the same time, he most recently said in an interview with Russian state media on March 13 that Russia is ready for nuclear war, “from a military-technical perspective.”