A recent study revealed that Russia is preparing for a widespread conflict with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), according to the American Institute for the Study of War based in Washington. According to the study published on Wednesday, several Russian financial and military indicators suggest that Moscow is gearing up for a conventional large-scale conflict with NATO.
Although the presumed conflict does not seem imminent, the institute posits that it could erupt "on a shorter timeline than some Western analysts initially assumed," following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022. The study states that "it is likely that President Vladimir Putin will attempt to establish the necessary conditions to stabilize the long-term financial situation of Russia at a higher government level." This indicates that "such stability will require implementing some harsh measures, at least against some wealthy businessmen," against the backdrop of preparations for an expanded war.
The institute mentions that "the Russian military continues to conduct structural reforms to support the war in Ukraine, simultaneously expanding Russia's conventional capabilities in the long term, in preparation for a potential large-scale conflict in the future with NATO."
The study draws on statements from Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who referenced "numerous ongoing efforts to enhance Russian conventional military capabilities," which are likely part of Moscow's long-term preparations for a potential conventional war not only against Ukraine but also against NATO.
"Continuous changes in personnel within the Russian Ministry of Defense may be further indicators of Russia's long-term preparations for conflict," according to the institute. Russia has hinted multiple times at the possibility of a "Third World War" if Western intervention continues to support Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Moscow, and its officials have spoken about the potential use of nuclear weapons.
