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Russia Forms New Brigade of Former Ukrainian Soldiers A report highlights another strategy employed by Russia: the formation of a brigade named the 'First Ukrainian Special Purpose Volunteer Brigade.' It is claimed that this unit incorporates Ukrainian soldiers who were captured by Russia during the conflict. According to the report, the brigade was formed by merging several smaller units and battalions, including the Maxim Krivonos Battalion, Oleksiy Berest Battalion, Alexander Matrosov Detachment, Martin Pushkar Detachment, and Slobodsky Detachment. The soldiers' knowledge of the local terrain could prove valuable to Russia. However, utilizing prisoners of war for military service raises serious legal questions under international humanitarian law. Zelenskyy Visits Serbia in Search of Aid Meanwhile, amidst ongoing attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, President Zelenskyy has arrived in Serbia. Serbia is considered close to Russia and has often maintained a stance distinct from other European nations regarding various EU sanctions against Moscow. Zelenskyy’s visit comes at a time when Ukraine is in urgent need of air defense systems and other military assistance. Reports also indicate that NATO and the US have declined to provide Ukraine with additional interceptor missiles. Increased Activity Along NATO Borders The Russia-Ukraine war has raised significant questions regarding NATO. Citing an assessment by the US Department of Defense, reports claim that Russia might attempt limited military action against a NATO country in the future. The assessment also reportedly expresses concern regarding Russia's military capabilities leading up to 2029. However, Russia has denied any plans to attack NATO nations; President Vladimir Putin has previously dismissed any notion of a confrontation with NATO or plans to seize territory in Eastern Europe. Drones Spotted on the Romania-Bulgaria Border Concerns have mounted regarding Romania and Bulgaria, which lie on NATO's eastern flank. Bulgaria has reported a drone-related incident. According to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, a drone entered Bulgarian airspace around 8:10 AM; an explosion subsequently occurred about 100 meters inside the border, near a compressor station and the old Kardam checkpoint. The site was reportedly situated approximately 200 meters from a Romanian compressor station and about one kilometer from a Bulgarian compressor station linked to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. Meanwhile, Romania conducted drills involving F-35 fighter jets to address the issue of drones near its border. Are Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania the Next Targets? Reports identify Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as potential targets in the event of a confrontation with NATO. Estonia shares a border with Russia and has a large ethnic Russian population in Narva; Russia could test NATO's response there through limited incursions or hybrid operations. Latvia also shares a sensitive border with Russia, raising fears of hybrid attacks. Lithuania occupies a strategic location between the Russian mainland and Kaliningrad; control over the Suwalki Corridor—situated between Belarus and Kaliningrad—could disrupt the Baltic states' overland connectivity with the rest of Europe. What Would Happen in a Clash with NATO? US political commentator Larry Johnson has claimed that NATO is already indirectly engaged in a war against Russia, as NATO nations are supplying Ukraine with weapons and intelligence. According to him, Ukraine is utilizing drones and missiles provided by NATO countries to strike at Russia. They argue that if a direct war were to break out between Russia and NATO, Russia would not merely aim to inflict limited damage but could instead launch a large-scale retaliatory strike. Is Russia really planning to attack NATO? Tensions between Russia and NATO have certainly escalated, yet claims regarding a potential Russian attack on a NATO member state must be viewed with caution. Russia has denied any plans to seize territory from or attack NATO nations. Meanwhile, Western nations remain concerned about Russia's military capabilities and future strategy. While the scope of the Russia-Ukraine war has not yet extended beyond Ukraine's borders into NATO territory, developments such as the situation in the Black Sea, drone attacks, and increased military activity along NATO's eastern flank have undoubtedly heightened tensions. Consequently, the key question in the coming days will be the extent to which this protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine expands and the degree of NATO's direct involvement in it.