The feared Russia-NATO war could happen, as claimed by the Institute for the Study of War; an American think tank that studies and analyzes defense and foreign affairs issues.
If this happens, the new war would further cause more global problems, especially since the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars are still happening.
Russian military cadets march on Dvortsovaya Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Saint Petersburg on May 9, 2023. Russia celebrates the 78th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.
The question is, why did ISW experts believe that a war between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could happen? Here's what the American think tank revealed.
Will a Russia-NATO war happen?
According to the Independent UK's latest report, ISW researchers said that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be preparing for a possible "large-scale conventional war" against NATO.
The American think tank released this statement after seeing that Russian troops are being moved towards Russia's northwestern border. Experts claim that this military movement is a threat to the alliance's new member, Finland.
The Russian government also confirmed that it is enhancing its military units in the northwest since this area has borders that are shared with Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.
Aside from this, the Leningrad Military District (LMD)-a new military zone-was established after Finland decided to join the intergovernmental military alliance in April.
The Institute for the Study of War shared its prediction after Putin warned Finland that its decision to join NATO would lead to serious problems. The Russian ruler also accused the alliance of dragging Finland.
But, based on the recent statements of Finland, it joined the international military organization on free will; saying that it had to break its decades of neutrality as Russia continues its invasion in Ukraine.
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Germany Prepares for Possible Russian Attack on NATO
Germany is one of the countries concerned about Russia's possible attacks against NATO countries. Because of this, POLITICO reported that Germany is already preparing in case the Kremlin decides to launch attacks on the territories of NATO.
The German government is making efforts to permanently base thousands of troops only around 100 kilometers from the border with Russia. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also announced an effort with Lithuania.
Pistorius said that he was in Vilnius on Monday, Dec. 18, to sign a deal with Arvydas Anušauskas, his Lithuanian counterpart. This deal will specifically ensure that 4,800 troops, as well as 200 civilians, are based in the Baltic country.
"With this war-ready brigade, we are assuming a leadership responsibility here in the alliance and on NATO's eastern flank," explained Boris.
"The speed of the project clearly shows that Germany understood the new security reality," he added.
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