Ex-CIA Chief Petraeus Warns of Russia's Potential Targets After Ukraine

David Petraeus on the Russian Threat

According to Главком: Former CIA Director David Petraeus has warned that Russia could potentially attack NATO countries following its campaigns in Ukraine and Moldova. He stated that before taking such action, Russia would likely seek to achieve its objectives in Ukraine and also seize Moldova. Petraeus highlighted that the Moldovan army is relatively small and that Russian troops, consisting of several infantry or airborne battalions, remain stationed in the Transnistria region.

Russia's Potential Future Aims

Petraeus further indicated that if the situations in Ukraine and Moldova were resolved, the Baltic states, particularly Lithuania, could become the next target. He recalled that Lithuania has frequently been mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his statements about the 'challenges' Russia has faced since the end of the Cold War.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has repeatedly criticized calls for dialogue with Putin, reflecting deep concerns over Russia's potential aggression. Petraeus concluded that it is crucial to be clear-eyed realists about Putin's intentions, noting:

'Bear in mind: Putin has told us everything, we just haven't been listening.' - David Petraeus

He added that Putin is attempting to resurrect the Soviet Union by any means necessary, whether through military force, as seen in Georgia and Ukraine, or economically, through the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union, which he described as a pale imitation of the EU.

According to Petraeus, Russia's potential targets include:

• Ukraine
• Moldova
• One of the Baltic states, with a possible focus on Lithuania

These remarks underscore the gravity of the situation in the region and the need for vigilant monitoring of unfolding events. Petraeus's analysis reflects a growing consensus among Western security experts about the long-term nature of the Kremlin's revisionist ambitions. His comments highlight the critical importance of sustained international support and robust cooperation within NATO to deter further aggression and maintain regional stability in Eastern Europe.