
US intelligence services estimate that Russian President Vladimir Putin could test NATO's resolve with a limited attack on a member country within the next few years, marking a shift from previous assessments that Moscow would avoid any direct confrontation with the Alliance during the war in Ukraine.
According to the Wall Street Journal report, the scenarios considered by US intelligence range from cyberattacks and hybrid operations with forces without identifying marks, to a limited ground incursion.
Sources cited by the newspaper say that the risk is considered highest in the period until 2029.
According to the assessment, Putin may be more willing to take risks as Russia faces pressure from Ukrainian attacks deep inside its territory, slower progress on the battlefield and domestic expectations for a victory in the war.
The report also links this assessment to growing concerns about the United States' weapons stockpiles.
According to officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, Washington is facing shortages of several key weapons systems, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, Stinger missiles, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) missiles, and ATACMS.
According to the report, these reserves have been reduced after years of military aid to Ukraine and the intensive use of ammunition during the US operation "Epic Fury" against Iran.
However, the Pentagon and the White House have denied these claims.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has described reports of ammunition shortages as "false," while the White House has stated that the United States has sufficient reserves to meet all strategic objectives.