Wie sich Großbritannien und die USA auf einen Konflikt vorbereiten – und was jetzt nötig ist

Despite the mixed rhetoric from Washington, US military planning and capability remains key to Nato war plans.

Even those in Washington who back a strong American presence in Europe warn US strategic focus is shifting to deterring China in the Pacific – and that in a worst-case scenario, a larger conflict in Europe might come at the same time as a Chinese attack against Taiwan.

For all the suspected Russian drones and jets incursions of the recent months, most analysts believe the wider military threat to Europe remains limited for as long as the Kremlin remains engaged in large-scale [fighting in Ukraine](https://inews.co.uk/news/zelensky-peace-plan-agreed-ukraine-us-russia-4133412?ico=in-line_link) – although Polish intelligence [in particular has warned](https://www.gazetaprawna.pl/wiadomosci/kraj/artykuly/9500938,szef-skw-sluzbom-potrzeba-dystansu-od-polityki-wywiad.html) that Vladimir Putin could still launch another, limited operation now if he truly wished.

But once Ukraine fighting stops or slows, it might not take long – perhaps even as little as a year – for a highly militarised [Russian state to rebuild its forces](https://inews.co.uk/news/world/putin-building-larger-stronger-army-peace-ukraine-will-help-him-4112306?ico=in-line_link).

In theory, Russia might attack at any point along its border or through its ally Belarus into nations including Finland, Poland and any Baltic state. In practice, hefty Polish rearmament and a stepped-up German force in Lithuania mean the options are fewer – with the most exposed Baltic states of Estonia and Latvia by far the most at risk.