U.S. Warns Putin Could Hit NATO Border by 2029 as Ukraine War Pressure Mounts
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Aug 7
U.S. Warns Putin Could Hit NATO Border by 2029 as Ukraine War Pressure Mounts
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Aug 7
Summary
A new U.S. intelligence assessment says Putin could order a cyberattack or limited ground incursion against NATO’s eastern flank anytime from this fall to 2029.
Officials say the risk rose earlier this year as Russia’s war in Ukraine entered its fifth year with a static front, mounting losses and deeper Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
450,000 Russian troops have died since 2022, according to CSIS, while BBC Russian Service and Mediazona have confirmed 236,066 names—adding to pressure on the Kremlin to show progress.
Recent incidents cited as warning signs include sabotage and arson in Europe, drones and rockets landing in Poland and Romania, and a DHL cargo plane’s emergency landing in Germany after a drone with explosives was found nearby.
NATO said it is preparing for multiple scenarios and is ready to deter and defend, as U.S. officials warn a Crimea-style test of alliance resolve becomes more likely over time.