After the stalemate in Ukraine: the move Putin is preparing under the radar

According to a report in The Telegraph, Western intelligence officials assess that Putin is preparing a 'covert mobilization' of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and an escalation of the war in Ukraine. In Europe, fears are growing of hybrid attacks and even a direct strike on NATO targets. Meanwhile, Moscow has hardened its tone toward London and threatened that British facilities in Ukraine would be legitimate targets.

According to a report in The Telegraph, Western intelligence officials assess that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing a 'covert mobilization' of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, aiming to escalate the war in Ukraine after a period of relative stalemate. The main concern in Europe is that Russian aggression in Ukraine constitutes a preliminary stage for a more overt campaign against NATO member states. In closed discussions, European security officials express deep concern and assess that the mobilized forces may be deployed to bases along Russia's western border facing Europe. Tensions are rising amid reports that the Pentagon is considering withdrawing between 25,000 and 40,000 troops from Europe, along with aircraft and naval vessels. Washington denied the reports, but NATO's commander held urgent meetings with Pentagon leaders regarding the deployment of forces on the continent. Meanwhile, Moscow has hardened its tone toward London: the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the British deputy ambassador and warned that British facilities in Ukraine would be considered 'legitimate targets' if used to assist long-range strikes deep into Russian territory. The threat follows Britain's announcement of a £100 million air defense aid package. London dismissed the threats, calling them another attempt to divert attention from the Russian invasion.