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VLADIMIR Putin could launch a direct attack on Nato by 2027 if he is allowed to rebuild his army during a ceasefire, military experts say.
The globe has been urging for a halt in the exhausting conflict, yet there are growing concerns that this might significantly impact the future security of Europe.
Despite the rising concerns, Putin has constantly avoided agreeing to a peace deal so far.
His latest stunt saw him ignore calls from Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump to personally attend this weeks round of negotiations in Turkey.
The list of the Russian delegation taking part was released by the Kremlin last night – with Putin’s name a glaring omission.
Should a ceasefire be successfully negotiated, it would allow Putin the opportunity to reorganize and devise a new strategy, possibly involving other European countries.
Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027, according to a report by a top security think tank.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Putin may deploy his army onto a “war footing” and try to test Nato by evoking Article 5.
This may see the Kremlin decide to leave Ukraine alone as it continues to recover from Russia‘s three-and-a-half year onslaught.
Instead, Putin could commit to an attack on Nato states in the Baltics.
Poland and the neighbouring states have already been rumoured to be next on the despot’s hit list should he ever get through a brave Kyiv.
Moreover, troubling satellite images this week showed Putin amassing Russian equipment, troops, and constructing bases a mere 35 miles from Finland’s border.
Photos show increased military activity at four locations inside Russia – Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2 and Olenya.
Any attack could take place within two years of a ceasefire, IISS warns.
Many of these fears stem from if the US and President Trump decide to withdraw support from Nato – leaving Europe to defend itself.
The IISS say if Trump does commit to ending his funding to the organisation then Europe will have to focus on replacing the economical and personnel lost fast.
Any move from the Americans could cost Europe up to $1 trillion over 25 years to make up for the withdrawal of US forces.
The US also provides 400 fighter jets, 20 destroyers and around 128,000 troops to Europe which will all need to be replaced.
Trump has already made several comments over America’s future within Nato as he vowed to stop helping those who “don’t pay” in enough.
He demanded all Nato members raise their defence spending to five per cent of GDP – an increase of hundreds of billions of pounds.
It has also been reported on in the past that Trump may move his troops out of Europe in order to secure its own interests over in Asia.
Trump is said to be considering withdrawing US troops from the Baltics to the Asia-Pacific region to combat a looming China, reports the Financial Times.
The IISS study wrote: “European allies can no longer assume that the US will provide the necessary military support to defend the continent against Russian aggression.”
It comes as Ukraine-Russia peace talks get underway today with delegations from both sides already in Turkey.
Zelensky is said to be in Istanbul for the negotiations but Putin and Trump will both not attend despite both suggesting they could come.
Russia has instead sent a troop of heavyweights – including a presidential advisor, top diplomat, and senior military and intelligence officials.
What is Nato?
THE North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a political and military alliance of countries from North America and Europe.
It was founded in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union with Cold War tensions rising.
Among articles in its found treaty is the principle of collective defence – the idea that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all of them.
Nato takes decisions by consensus but the political and military strength of the United States means that it is by far the most powerful country in the alliance.
Its nuclear arsenal is seen as the ultimate security guarantee.
Nato has 31 members – most of them European nations, plus the United States and Canada.
The newest member is Finland, which joined last April in reaction to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden applied to join along with Finland but is waiting for Hungary to ratify its application as the final major step before membership.
