Hard truths for Putin about a Russia-NATO war

European allies have long warned about the risk of war with Russia, but recent comments suggest the possibility is becoming more urgent. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that Russia plans to send drones or missiles into NATO territory and then label the strikes as accidental. The Czech intelligence chief reportedly estimated such a test could occur in months, not years. Separately, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow in August to warn against this scenario. The article argues that even if Russia escalates against NATO over Ukraine, the assumption that President Vladimir Putin can shift to a direct, major war with NATO is questionable. It points to Russia’s losses in Ukraine, where CSIS estimates 1.4 million battlefield casualties and up to 450,000 dead, and suggests recruitment and offensive gains have not kept pace.