The possibility of Vladimir Putin extending his military aggression beyond Ukraine is sparking fresh fears among top international experts.
According to former US General and CIA chief David Petraeus, the Russian leader isn’t just stopping at Ukraine — he could soon set his sights on a NATO member country.
The Baltic state of Lithuania, Petraeus warned, is especially vulnerable to a potential Russian invasion.
Lithuania Could Be Russia’s Next Target
Petraeus painted a stark picture during a talk at London’s Policy Exchange think-tank.
He explained that Russia might invade Lithuania either to test how strongly the West would react or as a first step toward a larger offensive in Europe.
Putin’s speeches have repeatedly mentioned Lithuania, signaling it as a key target — something Petraeus says Western governments should have been paying much closer attention to.
Criticism of US Leadership on Ukraine Support
While sounding the alarm on Russia, Petraeus also didn’t hold back his thoughts on US leadership.
He criticized former President Joe Biden for being slow and hesitant in arming Ukraine with the right weapons to push back Russian forces.
Petraeus pointed out delays in providing advanced fighter jets like F-16s and rocket systems that could have helped Ukraine shift the balance on the battlefield.
Petraeus also took a swipe at former President Donald Trump for giving Putin too many “second chances” to avoid consequences, despite his aggressive actions.
Calls for Britain to Rethink Weapons Restrictions
Another bold suggestion from Petraeus was directed at the UK.
He urged Britain to reconsider international agreements that ban the use of cluster munitions, arguing these weapons could act as a strong deterrent against Russian advances.
He believes loosening restrictions might give Ukraine more tools to defend itself.
The Grim Reality of Russia’s Losses
Petraeus didn’t shy away from the harsh realities on the ground, describing Russia’s losses as “unimaginable.”
Reports estimate nearly one million Russian casualties, with around half of those either killed or too wounded to continue fighting.
Despite these staggering losses, Russia appears reluctant to agree to peace talks, preferring to hold out for more territorial gains in Ukraine.
Russia’s Refusal to Accept Ceasefires
Repeated offers from Ukraine for a 30-day ceasefire have been rejected by the Kremlin.
Russia insists that its demands and grievances must be addressed before any pause in fighting can happen.
This stubborn stance has prolonged the conflict and made hopes for a peaceful resolution increasingly fragile.
What’s Next for Western Strategy
As the conflict drags on, Petraeus highlights the importance of the West stepping up its support for Ukraine and preparing for the possibility that Putin’s ambitions go beyond Ukraine’s borders.
The world is watching closely, wondering how leaders will respond if Russia moves to challenge NATO directly.