Putin could be planning major escalation with ‘provocation’ against NATO member: report
Russian president Vladimir Putin could potentially be planning to launch fresh missile or drone attacks on a new country, according to a new report out of the UK.
The BBC reports Poland has started to prepare for various scenarios after media reports citing US intelligence claimed Moscow was planning an armed provocation to the test the strength of NATO.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is warning the country faces critical months ahead. Getty Images
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was asked about the reports on Friday.
“I don’t mean to scare anyone but the coming months may truly be critical, also due to the changing nature of the war,” he said.
“These concerns are particularly palpable in the Baltic states.
“Let’s not be afraid, we are preparing for various situations, but we cannot ignore them… We are aware of the threats, also thanks to information from our allies,” he added.
The White House and US state department has not responded to the BBC report.
Under the reported potential plans, Poland’s infrastructure could be targeted by Russian missiles and drones, and soldiers sent to the NATO ally in an attempt to test the West’s resolve and force a suspension of aid to Ukraine.
Poland has been a member of NATO since 1999.
The alliance consists of 32 member states from Europe and North America.
The organisation serves as a system of collective security where its independent members agree to defend each other from outside attacks.
The International Institute of Strategic Studies think tank said in a report this week that Russia is likely to have used shadow ships to launch drones over Europe that repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation, as it monitored military sites and tested the air defences of NATO nations.
The Associated Press said the report plotted 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe between 2024 and 2026.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly weighing up concerning new military action. AP
This included NATO members Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in May that the country is not waging a sabotage campaign against Europe.
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