Putin May Test NATO Resolve
US intelligence assessments indicate that Vladimir Putin may be increasingly willing to authorize provocative actions that could spill onto NATO territory. The possible actions described include hybrid operations, cyberattacks, and other deniable measures rather than a direct conventional assault.
According to the report, the purpose would be to test NATO’s cohesion and measure the Trump administration’s willingness to respond if an ally is attacked. Officials also said this reflects a shift in Putin’s risk calculus over recent months.
Key Events
- US intelligence assessed that Vladimir Putin may be more willing to authorize provocative actions that could reach NATO territory.
- The report said potential actions could include hybrid operations, cyberattacks, and other deniable measures.
- Officials said the apparent goal would be to test NATO’s cohesion and gauge how the Trump administration would respond.
- The assessment described a shift in Putin’s risk calculus compared with a few months earlier.