The Kremlin will start a conflict with NATO already within a year after the end of hostilities in Ukraine – so says the annual report of the Dutch military intelligence agency, writes “Defense News”.
According to the information provided by the intelligence agency, Moscow’s main goal will not be a complete military victory, but a political split in the Western alliance – Russia intends to pursue limited territorial gains, hiding behind the nuclear threat.
As long as the war in Ukraine continues, a direct Russian attack on NATO countries is unlikely, however, Russia is already actively gathering forces for a further strike. Under the most favorable conditions for the Kremlin, this could happen within a year of the cessation of hostilities.
“Russia poses the biggest and most direct threat to peace and stability in Europe and, therefore, to our national security and interests,” the “Defense News” newspaper quotes Vice Admiral Peter Risinka.
According to available data, despite the colossal losses, the Russian army became more effective in 2025, learning to quickly incorporate combat experience into training, especially in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Experts believe that the Russian armed forces have not only increased, but also become better than in 2022.
The intelligence services also warn of dangerous cooperation – there is an alarming cooperation between Chinese companies and the Russian state in the field of space technology.
Currently, according to experts, it is the defense of Ukraine that is a deterrent shield direct Russian threats to NATO countries.
