August M
Rising pressure on the battlefield is shifting attention beyond Ukraine’s frontlines.
Analysts now warn the next move could come from an unexpected direction, reports Onet.
Unpredictable threats
Security experts are cautioning that Russia may seek to outmanoeuvre NATO by targeting less obvious locations, according to Onet, citing Germany’s Stern.
Christian Molling, a defence specialist at the European Policy Center, said Western planning risks focusing too heavily on expected scenarios.
“What if Putin attacks Portugal instead of Poland?” Molling asks rhetorically, as quoted by the Stern website.
He pointed to warnings from Estonia about a possible operation targeting Germany’s Baltic island of Rügen as an example of unconventional risks.
Germany in focus
For years, Germany has seen itself mainly as a logistical hub within NATO, positioned at the centre of Europe.
However, Molling warned that this role could make it a primary target in any broader conflict.
Disrupting Germany’s infrastructure could weaken the alliance’s ability to respond effectively, he suggested.
New defence plans
In response, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has outlined a new national security strategy aimed at strengthening military capabilities.
According to Onet, the plan includes building what Berlin hopes will become Europe’s strongest conventional army.
A central element is the development of long-range strike capabilities designed to deter threats before they reach NATO borders.
“If necessary, we will fire directly into Russian territory,” explains Molling, as quoted by the Stern website.
European concerns
Germany’s more assertive stance has raised concerns among some European partners.
According to the report, opposition voices in countries such as Poland and France have warned about the potential for renewed German dominance in defence matters.
Molling said Berlin needs to communicate its intentions more clearly to avoid misunderstandings within Europe.
Strategic uncertainty
The analysis highlights growing uncertainty over how Russia might act as pressure mounts on its military campaign.
Experts argue that anticipating unconventional scenarios will be key to preventing escalation.
For NATO, the challenge lies in preparing for threats that may not follow familiar patterns.
Sources: Onet, Stern
