Russia ramps up rhetoric but wants to avoid war with Nato, Western officials say
Western officials believe Vladimir Putin aims to avoid direct military conflict with NATO despite aggressive rhetoric directed at the UK and other allies. While Russia continues to use hybrid tactics like cyber-attacks and sabotage, officials suggest the hostile language is largely intended for domestic consumption and to pressure Western support for Ukraine.
Why it matters
Understanding Russia's strategic intent is critical for global security and managing the risk of escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Image source, Getty Images By Jonathan Beale Defence correspondent Published 1 hour ago Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to avoid a direct military confrontation with Nato, despite increasingly hostile rhetoric aimed at the UK and other allies over their support for Ukraine, Western officials believe.
Some reports have suggested the visit by CIA chief John Radcliffe to Moscow this week was, in part, to warn Russia against a possible attack on a member of the Euro-Atlantic military alliance.
But the Western officials, who asked not to be named, said recent warnings from Moscow, including that UK forces could be targeted in future or that its weapons factories could be hit, were "nothing new".
They were, they suggested, consistent with Russia's military doctrine to apply pressure on the West.
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