Russia may be preparing a limited attack on NATO: analysts name possible targets

CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow may indicate US concerns about possible Russian actions against NATO countries. At the same time, there is currently no evidence that Moscow is preparing for a large-scale invasion.

This is stated in a recent report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts have drawn attention to the very fact of Ratcliffe’s trip to the Russian capital. According to their assessment, such visits are usually associated with the discussion of particularly sensitive issues at the highest level. Therefore, it may indicate Washington’s concerns about possible actions by the Kremlin in the shorter term.

Previously, US intelligence assessed the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO as a matter of the next few years. At the same time, ISW emphasizes that there are currently no signs that Russia is preparing for a large-scale invasion similar to the one that preceded the full-scale war against Ukraine.

In particular, Russia has not yet mobilized large forces to the borders of the Baltic states. That is why, according to experts, there is no reason to talk about an imminent full-scale invasion.

At the same time, the Kremlin could potentially choose another scenario. It would involve limited air strikes on the Baltic states or a small ground operation involving limited forces. For such a strike, Russia would not necessarily have to form a large-scale group of troops in advance.

At the same time, there is currently no information that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has already decided to carry out such an operation.

ISW also reminds that Moscow continues to publicly deny the possibility of an attack on NATO. However, analysts believe that these statements may be part of a Russian information campaign.

Experts note that in late 2021 and early 2022, the Kremlin also denied intentions to attack Ukraine, although it later launched a full-scale invasion.

According to ISW, Russia may be deliberately keeping its intentions towards NATO vague. This tactic allows the Kremlin to increase fear in the Alliance, complicate joint decision-making, and influence the West’s willingness to support Ukraine.

Analysts believe that Moscow may try to exploit disagreements within NATO over how to respond to a possible Russian attack. If the Kremlin can undermine the alliance’s confidence in a joint response, that will be one of its key strategic goals.

As a reminder, CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, August 25, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Russian officials. Before his trip, the United States warned Ukraine about the delegation’s visit and asked it to temporarily refrain from strikes.

As reported, US President Donald Trump called CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s trip to Moscow “semi-routine” , but at the same time stated that its results may show some progress.

By the way, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has already been briefed on the results of CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow. However, he did not meet with Putin personally.

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