By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is potentially preparing for war with NATO [https://www.newsweek.com/putin-bracing-potential-war-nato-earlier-expected-isw-1882098] sooner than previously anticipated. This assessment is based on various Russian financial, economic, and military indicators. Putin's recent military decrees, which re-establish the Moscow and Leningrad Military Districts, are seen by the ISW as preparation for a "large-scale" war with NATO. These decrees have reorganized Russia's military-administrative structure and incorporated territories of Ukraine into the Leningrad Military District, suggesting Russia's intent to maintain control over these areas. NATO has expressed unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty [https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_37750.htm] and has provided unprecedented levels of support since Russia's full-scale invasion. The alliance has condemned Russia's aggression and has imposed severe sanctions to weaken Russia's war capabilities. Amid rising tensions, Baltic nations are enhancing their military defenses in preparation for potential conflict. This includes the creation of "kill zones" to funnel Russian soldiers [https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1880222/russia-war-baltics-latvia-estonia-kill-zones-putin] in the event of war. With US funding for Ukraine in limbo, European allies are increasing their support as Russia continues its military strikes. The ISW notes that Russia is preparing for a wider conflict with NATO, and while the timeline is not immediate, it is likely shorter than previously thought. NATO's principle of collective defense means that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. While Ukraine is not a NATO member, it has been promised eventual membership, and the alliance works closely with Ukraine to modernize its armed forces. Ukraine schools, cultural emblems, museums, and health care facilities have been decimated by Russia Video Analysis of Russia's Attacks on Ukriane After Russia's recent elections, Putin has resorted to scaring the world with the prospect of World War III in the event of a conflict between Russia and NATO [https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/03/18/7446938/]. Putin has accused NATO member states of "dragging" Finland into the alliance and has restructured Russian military units in the northwest, indicating preparation for potential war with NATO. Poland's President Andrzej Duda has claimed that Putin wants to be ready to attack NATO by 2026 [https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1880086/world-war-3-russia-nato-conflict-vladimir-putin], and the ISW has highlighted multiple indicators suggesting Russia is preparing for a large-scale conflict with the alliance. Now, German leaders are preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Russia, with the defense minister warning that the country must rebuild its military in case Putin looks beyond Ukraine. The German Ministry of Defence has outlined a scenario in which Russia's invasion of Ukraine could spill over into a NATO-wide conflict [https://www.euronews.com/2024/01/16/germany-lays-out-exercise-scenario-for-a-potential-conflict-between-nato-and-russia]. Two years after its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is restructuring and expanding its military in anticipation of a possible future conflict with NATO. OLAWALE ABAIRE is a researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books, He has master's degree from Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria. He also works as a web content writer with the International Lean Six Sigma Institute, UK
