A direct Russian military attack on NATO is not possible at the moment - Melnis
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis stated that a direct conventional military attack by Russia on NATO is currently impossible due to Russia's ongoing commitments in Ukraine. He emphasized that NATO would detect any mobilization early and that the Baltic states are prepared to neutralize any provocations or hybrid threats.
Why it matters
This assessment provides insight into the current security landscape of the Baltic region and NATO's defensive posture against potential Russian aggression.
RIGA - At present, a direct conventional military attack by Russia on NATO is not possible, and this conclusion is not merely intended to reassure the public, Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis said in an interview with LETA.
Melnis argued that Russia is bogged down in Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting successfully, destroying both Russian logistics and targeting distant objectives, which prevents Russia from advancing its attacks further. Therefore, in the minister's view, a direct conventional military attack on NATO is not possible.
To organize a massive attack, Russia would have to redeploy its forces from Ukraine, assemble units near the Baltic states, and launch an attack. NATO would detect such movements very early on. Moreover, if Russia were to make such a move, it would open up far greater opportunities for the Ukrainians to conduct their own operations-something Russia cannot afford.
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