Camilla Jessen
Former CIA chief David Petraeus says the West must act now to stop Russia, warning that a victory in Ukraine could pave the way for a NATO invasion.
Former CIA Director and U.S. Army General David Petraeus believes that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, its next move could be into NATO territory — with Lithuania likely at the top of the list.
Speaking to Il Messaggero and at a recent event at the Policy Exchange think tank in London, Petraeus said Vladimir Putin may try to test the West’s resolve by launching an incursion into one of the Baltic states.
“If he is successful in Ukraine, Putin is ready to invade a NATO country: Lithuania is the most at risk,” Petraeus said.
He pointed to repeated Russian rhetoric focused on the Baltic region and cautioned that Moscow might use a smaller provocation to probe NATO unity or lay the groundwork for a wider offensive.
Criticism of U.S. Leadership
In his speech, Petraeus criticized both current and former U.S. presidents, arguing that Washington has failed to provide Ukraine with the military support it needs to repel Russian forces.
“We should have done more for the Ukrainians,” Petraeus said, referencing missed opportunities to change the course of the war.
“We needed to change the dynamics on the battlefield and to demonstrate to Moscow that it can’t make further gains at an acceptable price.”
He also took aim at President Joe Biden for what he described as a slow and cautious response to Ukraine’s calls for weapons, and at Donald Trump for what he views as leniency toward Putin.
Trump’s Push on Cluster Munitions Raises Eyebrows
Petraeus criticized Trump for recently urging the United Kingdom to abandon international bans on the use of cluster munitions, arguing that such weapons could serve as a deterrent.
Trump’s suggestion has sparked controversy, with critics warning of the long-term harm cluster bombs can cause to civilians, especially post-conflict.
Petraeus outlined what he believes is the Kremlin’s main objective — the removal of President Volodymyr Zelensky and the installation of a pro-Moscow government in Kyiv.
“Once they do that, you’ll see them focus on one of the Baltic States,” he said. “For example, Lithuania, which has often been the focus of their speeches.”
While NATO continues to conduct military drills in Eastern Europe and strengthen coordination among allies, Petraeus said U.S. leadership has remained inconsistent.
The lack of a firm stance, he warned, risks encouraging further Russian escalation.
“We’ve seen three episodes where the president of the United States has threatened that in two weeks we’ll be forced to take a different approach,” he said. “This time, we’ll see what actually happens.”