VLADIMIR Putin could launch a direct attack on Nato by 2027 if he is allowed to rebuild his army during a ceasefire, military experts say.
The world has been calling for a pause in the but fears are mounting that this could have a major knock on effect for the .
Despite the rising concerns, Putin has constantly avoided agreeing to a peace deal so far.
His latest stunt saw him to personally attend this weeks round of negotiations in Turkey.
The list of the Russian delegation taking part was released by the Kremlin last night – with .
If a ceasefire can finally be agreed upon, then it will allow Putin time to regroup and come up with a fresh attack plan – which could now include other European nations.
Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027, according to a report by a top security think tank.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Putin may deploy his army onto a “war footing”;; and try to test Nato by evoking Article 5.
This may see the Kremlin decide to leave Ukraine alone as it continues to recover from Russia‘s three-and-a-half year onslaught.
Instead, Putin could commit to an attack on Nato states in the Baltics.
Poland and the neighbouring states have already been rumoured to be should he ever get through a brave Kyiv.
And this week revealed how Putin is assembling Russian hardware, troops and building bases as little as 35 miles from the border with Finland.
Photos show increased military activity at four locations inside Russia –Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2 and Olenya.
Any attack could take place within two years of a ceasefire, IISS warns.
Many of these fears stem from if the US and President Trump decide to withdraw support from Nato – leaving Europe to defend itself.
The IISS say if Trump does commit to ending his funding to the organisation then Europe will have to focus on replacing the economical and personnel lost fast.
Any move from the Americans could cost Europe up to $1 trillion over 25 years to make up for the withdrawal of US forces.
The US also provides400 fighter jets, 20 destroyers and around 128,000 troops to
Trump has already made several comments over America’s future within Nato as he vowed to stop helping those who “don’t pay”;; in enough.
He demanded all Nato members raise their defence spending to five per cent of GDP – an increase of hundreds of billions of pounds.
It has also been reported on in the past that Trump may move his troops out of Europe in order to .
Trump is said to be considering withdrawing US troops from the Baltics to the Asia-Pacific region to combat a looming China, reports theFinancial Times.
The IISS study wrote: “European allies can no longer assume that the US will provide the necessary military support to defend the continent against Russian aggression.”;;
It comes as Ukraine-Russia peace talks get underway today with delegations from both sides already in Turkey.
Zelensky is said to be in Istanbul for the negotiations but Putin and Trump will both not attend despite both suggesting they could come.
Russia has instead sent a troop of heavyweights – including a presidential advisor, top diplomat, and senior military and intelligence officials.
