This is indicated by a number of indicators.

Russia is most likely preparing to launch a large-scale armed conflict with NATO faster than a number of Western analysts previously predicted.

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported this in its latest report. They point out that such plans of the Russian ruler Putin are indicated by three factors at once: financial, economic and military indicators.

They remembered that during a meeting with faction leaders in the State Duma of the Russian Federation (this happened after Putin’s next “legitimate” re-election as head of Russia), the dictator once again focused on the importance of developing the Russian economy.

ISW believes that the military threat that Russia wants to confront the world depends on the financial resources that Putin can direct on a “military track.” Now he is trying to create conditions to stabilize the economy.

“This is likely part of Russia’s financial and domestic preparations for a potential future large-scale conflict with NATO, not just a protracted war in Ukraine,” the report said.

At the same time, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently emphasized several points that are also most likely part of Russia’s long-term efforts to prepare for a potential war with NATO. In particular, he announced the formation of an army corps (probably, we are talking about the AK, which is now being formed in Karelia, or the 40th AK, deployed in the Kherson region of Ukraine) and a motorized rifle division (here, most likely, we are talking about the 67th division, which is located on the Kharkov-Lugansk region line as part of the new 25th combined arms army).

Also, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense said that the Russian military plans to form two combined arms armies (CAAs), 14 divisions, and 16 brigades by the end of 2024.

“ISW estimates that Russia currently lacks the personnel, military infrastructure and training capacity to adequately staff several entirely new army-level divisions to full combat readiness in the near to medium term. However, such reforms are likely aimed at on the development of Russia’s long-term military potential in relation to NATO, and not on the immediate creation and staffing of new formations to the army level,” according to the Institute’s analysts.

When Russia will attack NATO – Duda gave an alarming forecast

The other day, Polish leader Andrzej Duda expressed alarming terms in the context of Russia’s possible plans to attack one of the NATO countries. Information about this began to spread in the winter, when German media revealed details of a secret Bundeswehr document that discussed Putin’s plan.

According to Duda, a Russian attack on the North Atlantic Alliance could happen as early as 2026-2027. Therefore, the Polish leader emphasized that NATO member countries must urgently increase funding for their defense.