Last Updated:
The United States has warned Poland that Russia may try to stage a limited armed provocation on Polish territory in a bid to weaken Western support for Ukraine
A Polish soldier takes part in a lake crossing operation during a military exercise. (Reuters)
As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate without an end in sight, the United States has warned Poland that Russia may try to stage a limited armed provocation on Polish territory in a bid to weaken Western support for Ukraine, according to reports.
The US has issued several warnings to Poland about possible Russian plans for limited attacks to test NATO’s response, The Telegraph reported, citing sources close to Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The plans include missile or drone attacks on critical infrastructure, simulated airstrikes or a limited incursion involving Russian or Belarusian troops.
The Russian operation could take place within months and would be designed to escalate tensions without triggering a full-scale conflict between Russia and NATO. Furthermore, Russia could describe the incursion as accidental, saying troops crossed the border because of a GPS failure or entered Poland to retrieve a malfunctioning helicopter, as per the report.
What Russia Seeks From Polish Incursion?
The main objective of the limited Russian provocation is to test NATO’s response amid months of tensions without triggering a full-scale conflict, as Moscow does not have the capacity to take on the Western military response. Russia could seek negotiations rather than a military response, betting that the United States would pressure Warsaw not to open fire on Russian or Belarusian troops.
Moscow could ask for an end to Western military assistance for Ukraine as a condition for leaving Polish territory, and the withdrawal of Russian troops after negotiations could be used as a victory, as per the report. Russia could also attempt to blame Ukraine for any attack on Poland.
A source close to Nawrocki said the US regularly informs Poland about Russian plans for possible attacks against NATO’s eastern flank. A ground incursion could be launched from Belarus or Russia’s Kaliningrad, both of which border Poland.
Poland’s Response To Russian Attack
The implications of a Russian attack are immense: Not only would it undermine Polish sovereignty, but it could also expose divisions within NATO and force Western countries to curtail or end support for Ukraine, according to The Telegraph.
However, a senior Polish Defence Ministry official told Polish outlet Onet that Warsaw had conducted exercises intended to demonstrate that such an attack would prompt a devastating NATO response, which includes striking targets in Kaliningrad.
Ukraine War At Crucial Stage
This came after Russia and Ukraine exchanged devastating strikes that killed dozens of people. At least 10 people were killed after Ukraine launched a fresh wave of strikes on Russia and Moscow-occupied territory, while Russian attacks killed five.
The strikes came a day after Russia unleashed one of the most intense drone and missile attacks to hit the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, killing at least 30 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 10 people remained missing as emergency and rescue operations continued.
NATO’s European members and Canada are set to pledge to give Ukraine 70 billion euros ($80 billion) in military aid both this year and next at the alliance’s summit in Turkey next week, a symbolic move in response to US President Donald Trump’s move to stop Washington’s support for Kyiv.
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int…Read More
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
