— If Russia attacked Poland in 2025 the same way it attacked Ukraine, it would be destroyed by NATO air forces and allied land forces. You can be sure that Königsberg would have been liquidated within the first hours. Within the first hours, Königsberg would cease to existand all Russian facilities would be destroyed, he emphasizes. Hodges adds that similarly, NATO forces would destroy all Russian military facilities in Sevastopol.
The general suggests that the situation on the battlefield for Ukraine would be different now if NATO had acted more decisively immediately after the start of Russian aggression in February 2022.
In his opinion, the alliance command should have given the Kremlin an ultimatum: “Don't you dare do this, otherwise we will give Ukraine everything it needs and help it regain its sovereignty.”
Western countries should conduct negotiations with Moscow on only one issue – the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine – argues the Belsat interlocutor.
Meanwhile China may try to persuade Russia to attack NATO countries in the case of their decision to invade Taiwan – he warned already in July this year. NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte. In an interview with the New York Times, he presented a scenario in which Beijing and Moscow could work in coordination to weaken Western defense structures in Europe.
In response to potential threats, the NATO Secretary General emphasizes the need to take two key actions. One of them is to build deterrence capabilities so that Russia never decides to take such a step. The second is to tighten cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region, which, according to Rutte, is strongly emphasized by US President Donald Trump.
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— An open confrontation with Russia is possible at any time, warns the head of German foreign intelligence (BND), Martin Jaeger. — We cannot delude ourselves that a possible Russian attack will take place only in 2029. The situation is already inflammatory today, he adds. In his opinion, the Kremlin is trying to bring Europe to a “state of resignation”.
“To achieve this goal, Russia will not hesitate to engage in direct military confrontation with NATO if necessary,” Jaeger, who took up his post last month, said during a public briefing to the Bundestag.
Suspicious moves by the Kremlin. “Phase 0” has begun
Russia, which has been unsuccessfully trying to take over the eastern regions of Ukraine for over 3.5 years, is actively creating an informational and psychological context for starting a full confrontation with NATO, according to an analysis by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) published last week.
They called the preparations, including sending unmanned aerial vehicles to NATO countries and “false” statements by Russian intelligence services about alleged preparations for sabotage in Europe, “phase zero.”
Königsberg. The apple of Putin's eye
Königsberg is of great military importance due to its strategic location, proximity to the Baltic Sea and role as a Russian military base. It is a key point in Russia's defensive and offensive strategy in the region, becoming a base for the Baltic Fleet (which increases operational capabilities over part of the Baltic Sea). In the event of an escalation of tensions, Russia may use Königsberg as a military base for operations in the region.
This area is also an important operational center for GRU special units, training saboteurs for operations in the Baltic region.
The strategic location of Königsberg allows the Russians to arouse fear in the West, especially in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. – The Iskander-M missile systems deployed in the Königsberg region, capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads, could hit targets within a radius of several hundred kilometers, covering the capitals of the Baltic states, Warsaw and key NATO infrastructure in the region – says Dr. Hab. in an interview with Onet. Wojciech Kotowicz from the Institute of Political Sciences of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.
Suwałki Isthmus. The gate to Königsberg
This small strip of land connects the Baltic countries with Poland and the rest of NATO, and at the same time separates the Russian Königsberg Oblast from Belarus. And that is why he so often talks about the Suwałki Isthmus in the context of Królewiec.
– The Suwałki Isthmus is very important for the West. It is a land connection with the Baltic states, which, although not commonly mentioned for political reasons, are militarily one of the weakest elements of NATO's eastern flank. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are small countries with low military capabilities due to their small population, number and equipment of the armed forces, says reserve colonel Dariusz Kozerawski in an interview with Onet. NATO planners warn that the site will likely be one of Putin's first targets if he ever decides to escalate the war.
Already in 2015, the commander of US land forces in Europe, General Ben Hodges, stated that the Suwałki Isthmus is one of the most hotspots on the world map. He indicated, among others: to infrastructural and organizational deficiencies that may make it difficult for NATO countries to respond quickly enough in the event of a threat to this area
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
