Key facts
- Russian President Vladimir Putin may intensify provocations against NATO.
- Russia is struggling in Ukraine and its resources are dwindling.
- European leaders have signaled that Russia is provoking nearby NATO countries.
As Russia struggles in Ukraine and its domestic resources dwindle, there are growing concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin may resort to escalating provocations against NATO. CIA Director John Ratcliffe has issued a warning regarding this potential trend. Echoing these concerns, European leaders have also signaled that Russia is provoking nearby NATO countries. The alliance's Article 5, which states an attack on one is an attack on all, raises questions about what actions would constitute an attack and how NATO would respond.