All out war with Russia? NATO urges full preparedness, mobilises 90,000 soldiers

New Delhi: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has raised concerns, emphasising the necessity for Western nations to enhance their readiness for unforeseen events, including the possibility of a war with Russia. This caution comes as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its two-year mark, triggering apprehensions about potential fatigue among Kyiv's Western allies.

NATO military committee chief warns

Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, Chief of the NATO Military Committee, conveyed a stark message in Brussels ahead of the alliance's upcoming extensive military exercise. He asserted, "We have to realise it's not a given that we are in peace. And that's why we [NATO forces] are preparing for a conflict with Russia." Bauer stressed the importance of being on high alert for potential conflicts and encouraged readiness for unexpected developments. "In order to be fully effective, also in the future, we need a warfighting transformation of NATO," he added.

German defense minister highlights potential expansion of conflict

Echoing NATO's concerns, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed apprehensions about the conflict in Ukraine potentially expanding to neighboring countries. Pistorius remarked, "We hear threats from the Kremlin almost every day -- most recently again against our friends in the Baltic states."

Steadfast Defender 2024 Exercise

To enhance preparedness, NATO is set to launch the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercise next month, spanning through May. This extensive exercise will involve approximately 90,000 troops rehearsing the execution of the alliance's regional plans. The goal is to demonstrate NATO's capability to conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations across various regions.

Persistent situation in eastern Ukraine

With the front line in eastern Ukraine showing minimal changes in recent months, Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities, utilising drones and cruise missiles. In response, Kyiv has targeted economic and military objectives within Russia.

Recent Ukrainian drone attack in Russia

On January 19, a Ukrainian drone reportedly targeted an oil depot in Klintsy, Russia, resulting in a fire at oil storage tanks. The drone was reportedly shot down by Russian air defense. Regional governor Aleksandr Bogomaz confirmed the incident on Telegram, stating that the fire was under control, and there were no human casualties.

Russian claims of downed Ukrainian drone in St. Petersburg

A day prior, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down a Ukrainian drone attempting to target a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal in St. Petersburg. The wreckage fell on the premises of the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal.

As tensions persist, NATO's call for increased preparedness underscores the unpredictability of the geopolitical landscape. The upcoming military exercise aims to showcase NATO's ability to navigate and sustain operations in various scenarios, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe.