Russia could attack in 5-8 years. Pistorius calls on Europe and NATO to prepare for 'worst case scenario'

Pistorius explained that he could not know for sure whether Russia would attack the EU, but noted that if it did, Moscow would need less than a decade to do so.

"I don't like to look into a crystal ball... I can't predict if and when an attack on NATO territory might occur. But it could happen in five to eight years," he said.

NATO is preparing for possible escalations

Admiral Rob Bauer, the head of NATO's Military Committee, said that the alliance needs to be transformed, and the West must prepare for an era in which anything can happen at any time, including the outbreak of war.

His statement came against the backdrop of delays or restrictions on military aid to Ukraine from the United States and the European Union.

On January 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the West's wavering support for Kyiv and fears of an escalation of the war with Russia could prolong the fighting for years.

Earlier, the German publication Bild wrote that NATO intends to hold large-scale exercises in February with the participation of about 90,000 troops.

The scenario of the exercise is a Russian attack on the territory of the Alliance.