Russia could be ready for wider conflict in Europe by 2027, Ukrainian official says
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov (photo: facebook.com/kyrylo.budanov.official)
Russia has already prepared for a possible attack on the European Union, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Asked about warnings in Europe that Russia could attack within the next few years and whether such a scenario was more likely after the war in Ukraine ends or while it is still ongoing, Budanov said Russia had previously believed it needed to finish the fighting in Ukraine before considering anything further, but that those plans were now being revised.
Budanov did not specify when such a scenario could materialize. He said Russian planning documents call for combat readiness by early 2027 while stressing that readiness should not be confused with intent.
"This is about being ready for such actions," he said. "It doesn't mean they've decided to do it."
Budanov said the plans could still change and noted that the beginning of 2027 was no longer far away.
Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months rather than years. He also questioned whether the United States would defend Europe if such a scenario unfolded.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs also did not rule out Russian escalation against NATO countries. However, he said Russia currently does not have enough troops to launch a full-scale invasion of any Alliance member.
