WSJ: Russia could attack Europe within year

Russia is increasingly bogged down in Ukraine while escalating large-scale strikes on Kyiv, raising concerns in European capitals that President Vladimir Putin may attempt to widen the conflict beyond Ukraine and into Europe, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The outlet said, in recent weeks, Moscow has adopted a more confrontational tone toward Baltic states.

It has threatened to target “decision-making centres” in Latvia, accusing the country of hosting Ukrainian drone operators—claims rejected by Latvian authorities.

Lithuania also reported air-raid alerts last week after suspected Russian drones approached its airspace from Belarus, prompting emergency government measures.

The Russian Defence Ministry has further released the addresses of companies it alleges are involved in drone production for Ukraine across eight European countries, warning of “unpredictable consequences” and a “sharp escalation” if military support for Kyiv continues.

Although fears of spill-over beyond Ukraine are not new, European officials say recent developments have heightened concern.

Security services across the continent have warned that Russia could probe NATO unity by targeting Baltic states, Danish and Swedish islands in the Baltic Sea, or even Arctic territories.

Some European officials also point to political uncertainty within NATO and the United States as a potential factor influencing Moscow’s calculations, alongside wider economic and geopolitical pressures, including the impact of global energy disruptions and rising political fragmentation in Europe.

Senior European officials fear that Russia may see an opportunity to strengthen its position over the next 12 months, as an oil crisis triggered by the conflict with Iran could spark further political unrest across Europe. Such instability, in turn, could contribute to the growing influence of far-right parties advocating the resumption of Russian oil and gas imports, as well as an end to support for Ukraine.

European intelligence and military officials, however, say there are currently no signs that Russia is redeploying troops or military equipment in preparation for attacks on the Baltic states or other territories beyond Ukraine.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov