US intel assesses Putin could launch attack aimed at testing NATO unity

U.S. intelligence officials warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be planning a limited military action to test the cohesion of NATO, raising concerns for Washington and European allies. The assessment, shared with CNN, follows months of heightened tension after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and recent Russian missile drills near NATO borders. Analysts say the move would be a signal rather than a full‑scale war. Officials said the potential strike could target a NATO member’s territory or assets, such as air defenses in the Baltic states or a naval facility in the Black Sea, aiming to expose any cracks in collective defense commitments. Washington has responded by increasing troop rotations in Eastern Europe, boosting missile defense systems, and urging allies to maintain a unified political stance. NATO’s Secretary‑General has reiterated that an attack on any member would trigger Article 5. Critics caution that publicizing the threat could provoke miscalculation, but U.S. officials argue that transparent warning helps deter aggression by showing readiness. The next weeks will test diplomatic channels, with the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius expected to address contingency plans and reaffirm the alliance’s resolve.