Russia ramps up rhetoric but wants to avoid war with Nato, Western officials say
Western officials believe Vladimir Putin is seeking to avoid a direct war with Nato, despite sharper threats against the UK and other countries backing Ukraine. They view the rhetoric as part of Russia’s established effort to pressure Western governments, while reflecting the strain of a costly war and Ukrainian long-range attacks inside Russia.
Officials nevertheless expect Russia to continue hybrid operations, including cyber-attacks, sabotage and possible assassination attempts, which could create risks of miscalculation. They cited suspected Russian-linked drone activity across Europe, although Moscow denies involvement and no proof directly ties it to the explosive-carrying drone found at Leipzig airport.
- Officials see Russian threats as pressure tactics, not imminent Nato war plans.
- Hybrid attacks could still trigger dangerous miscalculation.
- Russia faces heavy losses and growing domestic pressure.