New Front – US Concerned Over Possible Putin Move
American intelligence fears that Vladimir Putin may attempt to split NATO due to setbacks on the front in Ukraine and a shortage of US air defense missiles. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Kremlin could open a new front or organize provocations. Scenarios include cyberattacks, use of armed groups, and incidents on the eastern flank. US air defense stocks are depleted: about 80% of THAAD missiles and half of Patriot PAC-3 have been expended.
American intelligence has revised its assessments and now fears that Vladimir Putin may attempt to split NATO amid setbacks on the front in Ukraine and a critical shortage of US air defense missiles. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal. The reasons for the revision include Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, the slowdown of Russian troop advances, and the Kremlin's search for leverage. Escalation scenarios include large-scale cyberattacks, the use of armed groups without insignia, and targeted incidents on the alliance's eastern flank. Heather Conley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, notes that Russia's goal has always been to undermine trust in NATO and separate the US from its allies. Elements of reconnaissance by fire are already being recorded: cruise missile falls in Poland and drone overflights over Romania. An additional risk factor is the depletion of American arsenals: about 80% of THAAD interceptor missiles and half of Patriot PAC-3 missiles have been expended. General Dan Caine warned the White House about risks to national security.