Russia to 'threaten NATO' as Putin looks to 'escalate' brutal war, Pentagon insider says
EXCLUSIVE: A former US Admiral and Pentagon insider warned of Putin's plans should he secure a victory in Ukraine, stressing that NATO should prepare.
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Russia will "threaten NATO" should Vladimir Putin's troops secure a victory over Ukraine as the president looks to "escalate his campaign", according to a Pentagon insider.
Mike Hewitt, a former US Admiral, issued the stark warning, suggesting Putin is poised to intensify his efforts, potentially putting NATO member states at risk.
Hewitt emphasized the urgent need for Ukraine to devise a comprehensive strategy to counter Russian aggression.
He also pinpointed three specific NATO allies that may be at risk of a Russian attack should Ukraine be defeated and Putin want to tighten his grip over the region.
Hewitt told Daily Express US: "Ukraine needs a surge plan, one that identifies how to defeat Russian forces."
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He added: "They must be able to go after the supporting Russian positions across the border, cut off logistics and communications nodes, start a massive offensive on Crimea, and have clear measures of effectiveness."
This comes at a critical juncture in tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as Kyiv awaits imminent aid from the US as part of the long-awaited $61 billion (£48 billion) package.
Though the first batch of weapons is set to arrive "in a matter of days" according to US officials, the think tank The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that Russian forces could still seize Ukrainian territory in this time.
If they continue on this front, particularly with the upcoming summer offensive looming, the military aid may not be enough to help Ukraine secure a decisive victory.
In the event of this, Hewitt highlighted the likelihood of Russia targeting NATO members in the Baltic region as part of Putin's broader strategy.
He warned: "Russia in turn will threaten NATO, and NATO must be prepared to defend Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which are logical targets for Putin to escalate his campaign."
Currently, Russia is pushing forward at several points along the 600-mile frontlines, using tanks, infantry troops and satellite-guided gliding bombs to bombard Ukrainian forces.
Volodymyr Zelensky maintains that Ukraine's mission in the conflict is to recapture all its territory from Russia, even if the war ends in negotiation.
