Putin must learn about consequences of attack on NATO – retired Bundeswehr general

Retired German general and historian Klaus Wittmann said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"Putin must be reassured that any advance, invasion, or attack on any part of NATO would lead to consequences that are unpredictable and unbearable for him," Wittmann stated.

He emphasized the urgent need to advance NATO's defense plans and develop its capabilities, as well as ensure credible deterrence that remains unpredictable to the opposing side.

Wittmann refrained from predicting whether Putin would risk an attack against a NATO member country but believes that even if the Russian leader intended to do something of the sort, it would likely not be a full-scale assault but rather localized attacks. However, such actions could create uncertainty within NATO headquarters and the NATO Council as to whether they should be considered an act of war.

Wittmann recalled forecasts suggesting that Russia might be ready to "seriously test" NATO around 2029.

"On the other hand, it would be unwise for him [Putin] to wait until 2029, which everyone is fixated on," Wittmann noted, adding that he does not believe Russia will attack while it is still waging war in Ukraine.

The general stressed that under any circumstances, "military planning must always take the worst-case scenario into account."

As reported earlier, the president of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Martin Jaeger, warned against underestimating the danger of a direct confrontation with Russia and urged not to sit idly by, assuming that a possible Russian attack would not occur before 2029.