Vladimir Putin could attack NATO territory in months, a prominent Western leader has warned. Polish premier Donald Tusk revealed he fears that the US may not come to Europe’s aid in such a move.
The “biggest, most important question” is whether the United States is ready to be a loyal NATO partner in the event of a Russian attack. His warning of “something really serious” comes amid speculation that Putin is eyeing Western islands in the Baltic Sea to test the Alliance’s resolve and the effectiveness of its Article 5 defence umbrella.
“For the whole eastern flank, my neighbours… the question is if NATO is still an organisation ready, politically and also logistically, to react, for example against Russia if they try to attack,” he told the Financial Times. “I’m talking about short-term perspectives, rather months than years… For us, it’s really important to know that everyone will treat the NATO obligations as seriously as Poland.”
The Polish premier said: “Washington treats Poland as the best and the closest ally in Europe. But for me, the real problem is what it is in practice if something happens.”
“I want to believe that [Article 5] is still valid, but sometimes, of course, I have some problems. I don’t want to be so pessimistic, but what we need today is also practical context,” he added.
His concern reflects doubts across the continent that Donald Trump may not commit US troops to fight off a Putin assault on Western territory. The country in most jeopardy is seen as Baltic state Estonia, where around 900 British troops are stationed.
Sweden’s Chief of Defence, Michael Claesson, has warned Russia is scheming to occupy an island belonging to a Western state in the Baltic Sea in a test for NATO.
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