Kremlin's 2026 agenda: Full occupation and a NATO standoff?
The Kremlin plans to fully occupy Ukrainian regions by 2026, which may suggest preparations for a war with NATO, reports "Die Welt."
The Kremlin has set the goal of completely occupying the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions by 2026 - reports "Die Welt." German General Christian Freuding indicates that the extensive rearming of the Russian military suggests preparations for a conflict with NATO. - The Russian military is receiving even more tanks, ammunition, missiles, and drones - lists the military.
"Even if Donald Trump persuades Moscow to cease activities in Ukraine, Russia will remain a serious threat to Europe in the coming years," believes "Die Welt."
In October 2022, the Russian dictator signed the "accession law," which de facto resulted in the annexation of four Ukrainian regions following pseudo-referendums.
War with NATO?
The German general emphasises that Russia is not currently planning a direct conflict with the West but is preparing for a potential war with NATO. According to data from the German military, Russia recruits about 30,000 soldiers each month, offering high salaries. - Russia has an impressive number of soldiers and a wide range of powerful equipment - states the head of the European Parliament's Security and Defence Committee, Marie Agnes Strack-Zimmermann.
- Putin has literally tasted blood. If you wish to maintain peace, you must be capable of defending yourself. If we do not grasp this and Putin succeeds in Ukraine, attacks on one of the NATO countries in four to five years will be very likely - says Strack-Zimmermann.
Military analyst Nico Lange warns against solely focusing on numbers. - Russia has the will to utilise brutal military force and is ready to incur heavy losses. This makes it extremely dangerous - says Lange. The expert also cautions against direct and hybrid attacks by Russia on Poland and the Baltic states.
