In recent developments, Russian military activity has raised alarms in the West as tensions between Moscow and NATO continue to rise. The Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone reported detecting and tracking two Russian jets this past Friday, marking the second such event within a week. This comes as Russia and China held the largest joint military exercises since the Soviet era, involving nearly one million troops, 400 warships, and 120 aircraft, according to various reports.
These events coincide with statements from Vladimir Putin, who has issued veiled threats of escalating conflict with NATO if Ukraine conducts strikes inside Russian territory. President Joe Biden, however, has largely dismissed Putin’s rhetoric. “I don’t think much about it,” he stated in response to inquiries about Putin’s latest warnings.
Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Kurt Volker, weighed in on the situation, warning of a complex alignment between Russia and China. Volker emphasized that both nations share an interest in disrupting the global order established over the past 70 years, with China striving to supplant the U.S. as the dominant world power, and Russia focused on re-establishing its imperial influence. “Russia is the junior partner here,” Volker explained, “China is the real concern.”
While some analysts have raised concerns about Western-provided long-range missiles potentially escalating the war, Volker suggests that if Putin were capable of intensifying the conflict, he would have already done so. “Putin is throwing everything he can at this,” Volker noted, “He’s trying to overthrow Ukraine’s government and take over the country, but his forces have struggled, especially in eastern Ukraine.”
Tensions Mount as Putin Warns of War with NATO Over Ukraine Missile Restrictions
Volker also addressed the risks of allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles against Russian territory, a move that some fear could draw NATO or the U.S. into a more direct confrontation. He argued that such fears might be overblown, as Putin already perceives himself at war with the West. Volker cited Russia’s previous cyber-attacks, targeted assassinations, and acts of arson as part of its broader campaign against Western nations. “Putin is on the march,” Volker said, adding that stopping Russia in Ukraine is crucial to preventing further threats to Europe.
The possibility of Russia’s expansionist ambitions remains a serious concern. When asked whether Putin aims to push further west into Europe, Volker downplayed the likelihood of a Russian advance into cities like Paris or Munich. However, he did caution that Putin may have his sights set on former Soviet territories such as the Baltic states, parts of Poland, and even Finland. “Reuniting the USSR is more likely than an all-out conquest of Europe,” Volker concluded.
With military exercises near U.S. borders and continued aggression toward Ukraine, the geopolitical landscape is fraught with uncertainty. While President Biden remains cautious, experts like Volker suggest that Russia’s movements could signal broader, long-term strategic aims. The global community watches closely, mindful that today’s events may shape the security of Europe and the West for years to come.
