Daily Express: Putin Is Grossly Mistaken About NATO's Eastern Flank

Poland and the Baltic states are preparing an unpleasant surprise for Russia.

Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory are intensifying economic and psychological pressure on the Kremlin; however, any attempt by Russia to test NATO’s resilience on its eastern flank could have serious consequences for Moscow. Poland and the Baltic states have significantly strengthened their defenses in recent years and are preparing for possible conflict scenarios, according to the British publication Daily Express.

Attacks by Ukrainian drones and missiles on Russian oil infrastructure are already affecting people’s lives. Fuel and internet outages, economic hardships, and fears of a new mobilization are heightening the sense of instability within Russia. “Long-range strikes are causing Russians to wonder whether the country’s leadership is truly capable of ensuring their safety,” experts say.

At the same time, Putin shows no willingness to de-escalate the war. Moreover, Western intelligence agencies and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are warning of the possibility of a Russian attack on the alliance in the coming years. Among the most likely targets cited are Poland and the Baltic states.

However, Moscow is unlikely to be able to count on an easy victory. Poland has one of NATO’s largest armies—about 216,000 military personnel—and continues to significantly increase its defense spending. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are also among the alliance’s most active investors in security. All three countries maintain a draft, and their forces are reinforced by multinational NATO units.

“Putin would be a fool to think that everything on NATO’s eastern flank will remain the same,” the publication writes, drawing a parallel with the start of the invasion of Ukraine, when the Kremlin expected to quickly capture Kyiv.

Poland and the Baltic states are also fortifying their borders with Russia and Belarus, establishing a system of defensive structures and barriers. In addition, they are closely studying Ukraine’s experience and adapting their own armed forces to this new type of war.

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty is a particularly important factor. An attack on one of the allies could lead to a collective response from the entire alliance.

“Ukraine is not a defenseless target. Neither are Poland or the Baltic states,” writes the British publication.

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