NATO Prepares for Russia's Invasion After the War in Ukraine: The Whole Problem Is Trump

Concerns are growing in European capitals over potential aggressive moves by Russia following the end of the conflict in Ukraine. NATO experts and officials are worried that Vladimir Putin may try to test the unity of the Western military bloc.

According to Financial Times, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned last month that Moscow may use force against the alliance in the next five years. 'Let's not mask the situation, we are all in the east,' he emphasized in his speech.

Donald Trump's position complicates the situation as he, while promising support to allies, ambiguously referred to different interpretations of Article 5 on collective defense. This raised questions about the reliability of American security guarantees for European partners. Eastern European countries are rushing to increase their defensive capabilities under two pressures – from the Russian threat and Trump's demands. NATO partners have reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense and agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade. Nations are preparing for a possible invasion, former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warns of potential consequences of a pessimistic scenario. According to him, a young 'appetite for more territory' may awaken in Putin if he succeeds in Ukraine.