Vladimir Putin is reportedly planning to expand Russia's borders.
May 23, 2024, published at 3:30 PM ET
Putin has reportedly ordered tactical action nuclear exercises near Ukraine – and warned that his army is prepared to use force if NATO countries try to intervene.
Article continues below advertisement
Putin carries out nuclear tests to ensure Russia's 'territorial integrity'.
Shocking photos captured Iskander and hypersonic Kinzhal missiles moving through the region before being tested.
The exercises would “test the readiness of combat units to respond and unconditionally safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.” the Russian state,” according to The sun.
Article continues below advertisement
In the meantime, Putin's Ministry of Defense announced plans to change Russia's maritime borders with Finland and Lithuania. Russia is reportedly planning to seize inland waters in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland, near Baltiysk and Zelenodradsk.
Putin also plans to take the lands of Sommers, Jahi, Rodsher, Malyi Tyuters, Vigrund and Gogland, as well as the northern cape of the Narva River.
Article continues below advertisement
Russia is reportedly planning to seize inland waters near Finland and Lithuania.
Article continues below advertisement
The shocking land grab could lead to a major NATO conflict over the disputed rulers of the territorial waters. Fears of a possible NATO conflict are increased by growing support for the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron has long advocated sending troops to Ukraine, but has faced skepticism from other NATO leaders and European countries. With Putin conducting more nuclear tests and rumors of expanding Russia's borders, thoughts on the initiative have changed.
MORE:
Vladimir Putin
Article continues below advertisement
Macon has long supported sending NATO troops to Ukraine to fight Russia.
Article continues below advertisement
French MP and Renaissance Party member Benjamin Haddad said the move could “turn the tables” on Putin's war in Ukraine.
Among those who have reportedly expressed support for the initiative or are open to a debate on the topic is the Czech president Peter Pavelthe Estonian Prime Minister Kaya KallasPolish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorskiand the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis.
Article continues below advertisement
“This is important because these countries are on the front line, and these are countries that have long harbored mistrust of Paris and Berlin,” Haddad told Newsweek about the initiative.
Haddad noted that support has “clearly” grown after once being considered an “isolated position” by France.
Article continues below advertisement
The initiative could potentially turn the tables on Putin's military strategy.
Article continues below advertisement
“We spend too much time worrying about escalation, when Russia is the country that has escalated. At the moment, many Ukrainian troops are stationed on the border with Belarus to prevent a possible invasion from the north,” Haddad added.
“Western troops could be deployed along the border as a tripwire – like you have troops in the Baltics or in Poland – to be able to free some of these Ukrainian troops to go to the front.”
