Former CIA chief and veteran US general David Petraeus warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could launch an attack on a NATO country if he achieves military success in Ukraine.
He said Lithuania is most at risk, adding that Moscow could launch a provocation against it to test the West's resolve or as a step towards a broader offensive.
Speaking at the Policy Exchange think tank in London, Petraeus criticized the West's slow response to Ukraine's needs. He said delays in delivering Abrams tanks, F-16 jets and other weapons have cost Ukraine dearly on the battlefield.
"We should have acted earlier and more forcefully to change the dynamics on the battlefield and show Moscow that the cost of aggression is unacceptable," Petraeus declared.
He criticized both former President Joe Biden for his hesitation in arming Ukraine and President Donald Trump for his soft stance on Putin. Petraeus also said Britain should withdraw from international agreements banning the use of cluster munitions, which he said could serve as a powerful deterrent.