The world is keeping a close eye on Vladimir Putin, especially with fresh warnings from experts that if Russia wins in Ukraine, it could spark an invasion of a Nato country.
This is not just speculation — it’s a serious concern highlighted by David Petraeus, a highly respected former US general and ex-CIA director.
Lithuania Could Be Putin’s Next Target
Petraeus specifically pointed to Lithuania, a Baltic state, as the most likely next target for Russian aggression.
He warned that Putin might test how far the West is willing to push back by launching a limited incursion there.
This could be a dangerous prelude to a broader assault on the region.
Criticism of US and UK Leadership on Ukraine Support
At a recent talk in London hosted by the Policy Exchange think tank, Petraeus didn’t hold back on his criticism of Western leadership.
He pointed out that former US President Donald Trump gave Putin too many chances and that President Joe Biden has fallen short when it comes to providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs.
Petraeus called out the slow decisions around sending key equipment like M1 Abrams tanks and F-16 fighter jets, which he believes should have been supplied much earlier.
He also urged the UK to reconsider international bans on cluster munitions, suggesting these could serve as an important deterrent against Russian advances.
The Urgency of Supporting Ukraine Effectively
According to Petraeus, the hesitation and back-and-forth delays from Western countries have hurt Ukraine’s ability to push back effectively.
He said that if Ukraine had been fully backed with the right weapons sooner, it could have shifted the battlefield dynamics in their favor, making it too costly for Moscow to keep pushing.
Russia’s True Goal: Control Over Ukraine and Beyond
Petraeus made it clear that Russia’s ultimate aim is to remove Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and install a puppet leader who would give Moscow control over the country.
And once that happens, Lithuania and possibly other Baltic states could be in the crosshairs next.
He stressed that Putin has talked openly about Lithuania in speeches, which is a warning the West should have taken more seriously by now.
The Heavy Toll on Russian Forces
The losses Russia has suffered so far are staggering, Petraeus said — with nearly a million casualties reported and about half a million either killed or too wounded to fight.
Despite these setbacks, Russia is dragging its feet on peace talks because it wants to grab more Ukrainian territory first.
The Stalemate and What It Means for Peace
While Ukraine has offered a 30-day ceasefire multiple times, the Kremlin refuses to agree without first addressing its demands, keeping the conflict raging.
Meanwhile, the US has toughened its tone on Putin, with Trump calling his actions “absolutely crazy,” but no real pressure has yet forced Russia to the negotiating table.