Dutch intelligence says Russia could launch limited operation against NATO member after war in Ukraine

Russia could launch a limited military operation against a NATO member state after the war in Ukraine is over.

Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence, as cited by Dutch newspaper NU.nl and reported by European Pravda

Details: In its annual defence policy strategy document, the Dutch Defence Ministry said Europe is in a "grey area" between war and peace and pledged to increase Dutch defence investment, particularly in unmanned weapons such as drones.

The ministry said, citing the Dutch intelligence services, that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with Europe. In the worst-case scenario, Russia could launch a limited military operation against a NATO member state after the end of the war against Ukraine.

The ministry stressed that the war in Ukraine has shown that most battlefield casualties are now caused by drone strikes. As a result, the Ministry of Defence intends to move in that direction and said that "more than half of operational outcomes should be achieved using unmanned systems" within the next five years.

The Dutch government plans a phased investment of an additional €20 billion in defence by 2035.

This will enable the Netherlands to meet NATO's target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence.

Background:

• Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski believes Russia could stage a "false flag operation" to justify an attack on a NATO member state.
• Latvia's intelligence service recently warned that Russia is preparing possible provocations against the Baltic states or Poland, including drone attacks and other hybrid actions, to force NATO countries to stop supporting Ukraine.

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