Putin prepares to escalate Ukraine war with draft surge, attacks targeting NATO - report

Western intelligence sources told The Telegraph that Vladimir Putin is preparing to escalate the war in Ukraine after the State Duma elections, through a draft surge, accelerated mobilization, and intensified strikes against Ukraine and European allies. European officials warn of increased Russian hybrid operations, including cyberattacks and sabotage, while the US considers a major troop withdrawal from Europe.

Western intelligence sources told The Telegraph that Vladimir Putin is preparing to escalate the war in Ukraine after this weekend's State Duma elections. The expected escalation includes a draft surge, accelerated mobilization, and intensified strikes against Ukraine and its European allies. European defense officials fear a concentrated incursion of NATO territory, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe visiting the Kremlin last month to warn Russia against attacking NATO members. European leaders have warned of increased Russian hybrid operations within European borders, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and information warfare. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul linked a drone attack at Leipzig airport to a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations. The US Pentagon is considering a major withdrawal from Europe, with tens of thousands of troops potentially leaving, adding to European alarm. Russia has suffered an estimated 500,000 deaths in the war, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said intelligence estimates Russia plans to draft an additional 300,000 troops. The article frames the escalation as a strategic choice by Putin over peace talks.