The Dutch Ministry of Defense believes that Russia could launch a “limited” military campaign against a NATO country barely a year after the final end of the war in Ukraine, French media have reported.
In its annual defense strategy report, published today, the ministry stated that Europe is in a “gray zone” between war and peace.
“Dutch intelligence services believe that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with Europe,” the report says.
In the worst-case scenario, a limited war against NATO members could be conceivable within a year of the end of the war that Russia waged in Ukraine, the text adds.
This warning comes as NATO members prepare for a summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8, during which the Russian threat will be the central topic of discussion.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia “could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.”
The Dutch government intends to establish a special “development laboratory” tasked with designing and building drones capable of combating other drones.
“The question is whether Europe and the Netherlands will be strong enough in time to protect our freedom, our security, and our way of life,” the Dutch ministry added.
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