Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has sent a clear signal that he has no plans to end his confrontation with the West anytime soon. The launch of at least 19 drones toward Poland was a demonstration of the Kremlin's intentions to wage a long-term hybrid war against the United States and its allies.
Analysts and critics in Russia note: Putin cannot return to the role of peacetime president, because his political survival directly depends on the war. A cessation of hostilities or a peace agreement under pressure from the United States, in particular Donald Trump, creates political risks for the Kremlin.
Although the losses among the Russians are significant, Putin promised not just victory over Ukraine, but also over the “collective West.” To this end, the Kremlin is prepared to deploy production away from NATO borders, conduct exercises with Belarus, and ramp up rhetoric against the EU and neighboring countries.
After Putin’s meeting with Trump in Alaska in August, Moscow stepped up its hybrid attacks on Europe. And before the drone invasion of Poland, Dmitry Medvedev threatened Finland with “the collapse of statehood” in the event of a conflict. This repeats the script of the Kremlin’s statements before February 2022.
Journalists emphasize that such actions against Poland are aimed at testing NATO's readiness for collective defense. After all, Trump's ambiguous position on sanctions and the alliance only adds confidence to Putin.
According to Politico, the confrontation will not be limited to Ukraine. The Kremlin is trying to undermine the unity of the West, and Washington's inaction only encourages further provocations. The war is becoming protracted, and Russia is preparing to keep Europe in constant tension.
