Russia can launch a limited strike on NATO territory at any time. This was stated in an interview with Reuters by the head of the joint command of the German armed Forces, responsible for defense planning, General Alexander Zollfrank.
"If you look at the current capabilities and combat power of Russia, you will see that it can launch a small attack on NATO territory tomorrow. Small, fast, limited to the region, nothing large—scale - Russia is too bogged down in Ukraine for this," said Zollfrank, quoted by USN.
The general also shares NATO's view that Russia could potentially launch a large-scale offensive against the alliance as early as 2029 if it continues to build up weapons.
According to Zollfrank, Moscow's decision to attack NATO will depend on three factors: Russia's military power, its military experience and leadership.
"These three factors lead me to believe that a Russian attack is quite possible. Whether it happens or not depends largely on our behavior," the German general said.
Russia's goal is to simultaneously provoke NATO and assess its reaction in order to "sow uncertainty, spread fear, cause damage, spy and test" the alliance's stability, he added.
It is noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin denies the existence of aggressive intentions towards Europe, stating that SMO is a response to NATO's expansionist ambitions towards Russia.